As you may know, the National Institutes of Health issued notice late last week of dire cuts to life-saving research. The University of California leads the nation in NIH funding, and I am deeply concerned by these cuts. If implemented, this would prove catastrophic for the scientific community and countless Americans hoping for new cures and treatments that result from federally funded research. We will continue to do everything we can to advocate vociferously for science, for our researchers, and for patients as we call for these guidelines to be rescinded.
Earlier this week, the University gave its support to a lawsuit filed by the California Attorney General in response to these new guidelines, and I was heartened to see a judge quickly grant a temporary restraining order that prevents the guidelines from being implemented. Your voice matters, too — please consider joining our efforts in support of research through the UC Advocacy Network.
Across higher education, with federal policy changes like these NIH cuts rapidly unfolding, the past few weeks in particular have generated a great deal of uncertainty and, understandably, worries about what it all means. I have heard from many people across the University about these concerns. I want you to know that I hear you. I encourage you to stay informed — we have a new webpage with information on federal updates here.
I also want to reassure you that certain truths remain steadfast despite constant change — including our UC mission. For more than 150 years, the University of California has focused on teaching, research, and public service for the greater good. Throughout our history as an institution and as a nation, those who came before us have known similar struggles. As UCLA alum and tennis legend Arthur Ashe himself once said, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”
No matter what, we can find strength in our institutional integrity. And we will keep working to make sure the University remains a beacon of hope for California and the world.
Fiat Lux.
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President