Bruin brings home Olympic gold
Alysa Liu, a UCLA Bruin and member of Team USA, returned to figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, winning the top podium spot in the women's competition, the first such gold for an American woman in 24 years. After retiring at 16 following the 2022 Beijing games, Liu reignited her passion for competing on the ice during a ski trip in 2024. She completed the Olympics with two gold medals, one for her individual performance and another in the team event.
UCLA faculty awarded 2026 Sloan Research Fellowships
UCLA professors David Clewett, Juliana Londoño-Vélez, and Pradip Gatkine were named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows as part of a cohort of 126 scholars from 44 institutions in the United States and Canada who were selected for the prestigious recognition. Each fellow receives a $75,000 award to support research in fields such as chemistry, computer science, and neuroscience. The awards are made annually to early-career scholars whose creativity, innovation and research accomplishments distinguish them as up-and-coming leaders in their fields. Since their inception in 1955, 187 UCLA faculty members have received Sloan Fellowships, and many have gone on to achieve notable honors, including Nobel Prizes and the
Fields Medal in mathematics
UCLA launches SoCal Quantum Alliance
The SoCal Quantum Alliance (SQA) is a UCLA-led coalition of the region’s leading universities, industry partners, and regional economic development partners. This initiative unites research institutions such as UCLA and Caltech with companies such as Boeing and IBM to position California as a leader in quantum technology. By connecting universities and community colleges, the alliance also prepares students for careers in quantum engineering and related fields, building a skilled workforce to support California's future in the quantum economy. SQA serves as Southern California’s anchor for research collaboration, workforce development and industry engagement, complementing the statewide Quantum California initiative.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks at UCLA Law
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited UCLA School of Law on February 6, where she urged students to engage in civic matters and important contemporary legal issues. She emphasized the value of perseverance and taking action. “Do something,” the justice implored. Justice Sotomayor shared her views on law as a means to improve lives through strong relationships and effective communication. UCLA Law Dean Michael Waterstone welcomed the justice, remarking on her profound impact as a trailblazing advocate.
UCLA scientists help reimagine a forgotten battery design
In 1900, electric cars outnumbered gas-powered ones in America. Back then, Thomas Edison created the lead-acid battery, but it only lasted about 30 miles. He believed a new nickel-iron battery could reach 100 miles and recharge in seven hours, but that never happened. Now, an international research collaboration co-led by UCLA has revived the idea. They've developed a nickel-iron battery that can recharge in seconds and last for more than 12,000 cycles—equivalent to 30 years of daily recharge and use. This battery offers lower fire risk and reduced cost compared to lithium-ion batteries. In the future, this technology could support grid-scale energy storage and backup power systems, helping to stabilize renewable energy supply and reduce reliance on less
safe alternatives.
Tour of UCLA Research Park
On February 19, UCLA welcomed Representative Ted Lieu and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma for a tour of UCLA Research Park. The tour highlighted the transformation of the site from a shopping mall and outlined plans to house the
California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy and the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss with the policy-makers UCLA’s long-term vision for advancing multidisciplinary research, strengthening public-private partnerships, and expanding the university's role as a national leader in both immunology breakthroughs and quantum innovation.
The UCLA Research Park is two years away from opening its doors. But it’s already buzzing with energy and ideas.
ICE and a “Nation of Immigrants”
On February 5, California Attorney General Rob Bonta delivered the keynote address and joined a panel of experts and advocates at a Luskin Lecture Series event to discuss the challenges facing immigrant communities amid rising federal enforcement. The panelists called for legal accountability, data-driven approaches, community preparedness, and rights awareness. “Nobody,” Bonta said, “should be living in fear.”
How Maya migrants are preserving memory and history
UCLA’s Floridalma Boj Lopez highlights the essential role of community in preserving Indigenous culture. Her research focuses on Maya migrants and second-generation youth in Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in contributing to cultural preservation. Families and communities work together to share knowledge, traditions, and practices, which strengthens their identity and resilience. Boj Lopez believes that this communal approach not only helps maintain cultural heritage but also empowers individuals to navigate challenges while staying connected to their roots.
The science of connection
The stories in the winter issue of UCLA Magazine shine a light on
UCLA Connects and demonstrate the power and significance of connection. Articles in this edition of the publication explain how Bruins build bridges across our campus, our city and our world, advancing a university that not only educates but also unites.
Chancellor Frenk: Looking to the future
In a recent fireside chat at the Geffen Academy at UCLA
, Chancellor Julio Frenk discussed higher education's evolving role, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning in today’s fast-paced job market. He argued that universities must not only prove their value but also adapt to support individuals throughout their careers. Frenk highlighted UCLA's mission to foster continuous education, encouraging students to embrace diverse perspectives and remain open to new paths, ultimately preparing them for successful, dynamic lives in a world shaped by technological advancements.
Reflections on mentorship and representation
Rania Gomaa-Mersal, a second-year civil engineering student at UCLA, overcame her early struggles in chemistry and calculus and renewed her confidence at El Camino College. Her love for infrastructure led her to transfer to UCLA, where she engaged with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity, fostering a strong sense of community. As co-chair for NSBE's pre-college initiatives, she actively promotes STEM outreach to younger students. Additionally, her internship with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works allows her to apply her studies to real-world projects. Looking ahead, she aspires to combine her engineering career with mentorship and teaching.
UCLA Engagement
Your voice is our strength. Stand up for UCLA.
Threats to UCLA’s research, funding and future remain ongoing, unpredictable and very real. Your story can influence what happens next.
Please click here and take a moment to share what UCLA means to you.
UCLA Labor Center
675 S Park View St, L.A., 90057
Thursday, April 23
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, March 27
UCLA Health
Against all odds, a lifesaving transplant
One man’s challenging health journey led him to the UCLA Health lung transplant team. It was, for him, a last resort. Larry “Tony” Arena faced significant health obstacles that culminated in his admission after experiencing severe respiratory failure. Following a diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease from previous cancer treatment, doctors concluded that he was ineligible for a transplant due to his declining lung function. Fortunately, UCLA Health accepted his case, leveraging their extensive expertise and innovative techniques to prepare for his double lung transplant. He is alive today because of it.
Promise for pancreatic cancer
A recent study from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that combining immunotherapy with standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. While the overall survival outcomes were similar to those seen with chemotherapy alone, a notable subset of patients experienced significant responses, including complete tumor disappearance. The research revealed important insights into the tumor's immune environment, highlighting challenges and opportunities for enhancing future treatment strategies in this challenging disease.
Childhood palliative care crisis
A comprehensive study co-led by Felicia Marie Knaul, distinguished professor of medicine at UCLA Health’s David Geffen School of Medicine and associate of the UCLA chancellor, reveals that 96% of the 10.6 million children experiencing serious health-related pain and distress live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to palliative care remains severely limited. The research highlights a major shift over the past 30 years: most children now live longer with chronic severe illnesses rather than facing immediate end-of-life care, driven by improvements such as reduced HIV prevalence. Leading causes include endocrine, metabolic, blood, and immune disorders; premature birth and birth trauma; and injuries. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for better resources,
child-specific policies, and integration of palliative care into global health systems—especially in high-need regions—to close this equity gap and reduce avoidable suffering.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
With more than 500 physicians and scientists working on the forefront of cancer discoveries, the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center provides the best in experimental and traditional cancer treatments. Its designation as a "comprehensive cancer center" by the National Cancer Institute is testament to its excellence in cancer research and education, and outstanding patient care and community outreach in cancer prevention.
