UCnetwork: December 2025

UC’s 2025 highlight reel is here!

UC President James B. Milliken shares UC’s standout 2025 wins, from research accolades — including new Nobel Prizes — to major medical breakthroughs and hands-on support for Californians in need. He also highlights our remarkable UC community, whose talent, creativity and dedication make every milestone possible. Watch the video of UC’s 2025 highlights!

Explore UC with President Milliken. President Milliken has launched a new event series, “President’s Leadership Conversations,” featuring informal discussions with UC leaders. Learn more about the series and watch the first event featuring UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman.

Here’s why our community is standing up for UC

When the federal government demanded a $1B settlement from UCLA that put our entire university system at risk, UC students, staff, faculty, alumni and patients responded with an outpouring of support. Many shared experiences are relatable — UC is behind great careers, lifelong friendships and life-changing research advancements. Meet nine UC community members who are standing up for the university.

Add your voice. Join the UC Advocacy Network, a force of nearly 70 thousand people who are invested in the future of UC and our mission. Sign up here.

Tax season is just around the corner

There are some important things to know about your pay, taxes and benefits as 2025 comes to a close. Some items — like opting for an electronic W-2 — require your attention before Jan. 2. Plan ahead for tax season, and remember, UC will never email or text your tax forms.

Make financial planning a 2026 priority: Free UC webinars help you learn how to plan your retirement and manage your financial life — from everyday money matters to growing and protecting the life you’ve built. 

The next big breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s science and treatment

The outlook for dementia care is changing fast. UC experts explain what that means for patients and families, and what it will take to keep the momentum growing. 

Leading the pack: UC is No. 1 on a worldwide ranking of highly cited researchers. If you’re wondering what makes UC such a scientific powerhouse, four UC Nobelists share their perspectives.

UC Spotlight: Celebrating our wins

Our UC Spotlight celebrates how UC staff and their teams are making a difference for Californians and the world beyond our state. Meet the people who are bringing UC’s values to life: Read our November and December Spotlight!

Keeping California farming strong: Kids join 4-H to have fun, learn new skills, and give back — so it’s no surprise that the UC-administered program’s alumni continue to make an impact in so many California communities today. Read their stories.

Leading from the pharmacy

Pharmacists today do far more than dispense medications. They help patients understand treatment plans, monitor progress, address side effects and coordinate care across multiple providers. They also shape policies that influence affordability and access, especially for high-cost pharmaceuticals. Explore pharmacists’ important role and discover more insights from the UC Population Health Annual Report.

Get inspired by UC PRIME: An informative new video shares how UC Programs in Medical Education is addressing health care workforce shortages and meeting the needs of California’s communities.

Solar-panel-covered canals have their day in the sun

California’s first solar-over-canal project is underway in the Turlock Irrigation District, bringing to life the ultimate “why didn’t I think of that!” idea. The UC-research-led project is projected to save billions of gallons of water each year and produce enough clean energy to power a city the size of Los Angeles for nine months annually. To learn more, watch the latest Fig. 1 video and read an article on how this project came to, ahem, light.

Keep watching UC research: Follow Fig. 1 on YouTube!

Put yourself first this holiday season

The end-of-year hustle and bustle can be a lot of fun, but it can also leave us feeling stressed. UC experts are here to help! Learn how to create mindful moments and strategies for navigating the holiday season with more joy and fewer pitfalls. And, check out this advice for sustainable gift-giving.

Relax with a good read: Check out the Greater Good Science Center’s favorite books of 2025.

UC People

Vladimir Oge, blueprint creator

As director of Strategic Initiatives at the UC Riverside School of Medicine, Vladimir helps guide the school’s direction while uniting his campus community and local residents.

Meet Vladimir