UCnetwork: February 2026

Brush up on curling and the winter Olympics with UC colleagues

What’s the appeal of curling? It’s a bit like bocce and a bit like chess, with a collaborative element of two to four players, working out the unstable physics of a spinning stone on ice and awaiting the delivery of the stone for “the ultimate ASMR.” Find out what drew UC colleagues to curling, and how that’s led to their rubbing shoulders with Olympians. Meet colleagues who curl.

More in UC sports headlines: Students Alysa Liu and Troy Chang will soon compete in the Winter Games; forestry expert Matteo M. Garbelotto-Benzon and his service dog helped carry the Olympic flame; and Sunday’s Super Bowl was awash with UC connections, from the big game to the halftime show.

UC scientists are putting AI to the test

Nervous about artificial intelligence? You’re not alone: half of Americans now say they’re more concerned than excited about the ways AI is changing daily life. But most people surveyed also recognize that AI is changing some things for the better. Learn how researchers across UC are pushing the boundaries of research and discovery, while asking thoughtful questions about the transformation this technology brings. 

More AI news from UC researchers: UC San Diego researchers weigh in on AI’s ability to reason, learn and solve problems; UC Santa Cruz scientists explore AI’s impact on the workforce and the challenges AI-enabled robots face; and UC Berkeley researchers reveal 11 things AI experts are watching for in 2026.

Your tax forms for 2025

Tax time is here! The Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2025 returns on Jan. 26, and you can now access your income verification and health coverage forms (W-2 Statement and Form 1095-B/1095-C) on UCPath. Here’s how to access your UC tax forms.

UC does not send tax documents by email or text. If you receive a message claiming to contain linked or attached tax documents, it’s a phishing scam designed to hack your personal info. Do not open it: Delete, delete, delete! And, if you haven’t already, activate your free identity theft protection.

Get up to speed on digital accessibility

If you create, manage or share digital content as part of your work at UC — from documents to videos to websites to social media posts — it’s important to understand the updated federal digital accessibility regulations taking effect this spring. All public education institutions will be responsible for ensuring that their digital and web content, mobile applications and online experiences are accessible, with limited exceptions. Here’s what to know, and what you need to do, based on your role at UC — including local and systemwide resources.

Stay connected with tech-minded colleagues: Check out upcoming events hosted by the Information Technology Policy and Security Community of Interest.

19 UC staff who inspired us this month

Join us in celebrating UC staff who are making a difference for our university and California communities — whether working on the front lines or behind the scenes! Here are 19 colleagues who are making an impact.

You could be the next UC staff leader: Applications to be the next staff advisor to the UC Regents will open soon! Meet staff advisors and ask your questions: Register to attend a March 10 webinar. For more staff updates, read the latest CUCSA news.

Video: “Being a doctor wasn’t just about me”

UC Programs in Medical Education (UC PRIME) trains physicians who are connected to their communities and prepared to address California’s most pressing health care shortages. One such doctor is Monique Atwal, an alum of the San Joaquin Valley program who grew up in Selma and now serves as a psychiatrist and faculty member at UCSF Fresno.

In a new video, she reflects on how UC PRIME shaped her path in health care. “I always wanted to return to the Valley. Being in the PRIME program gave me the opportunity to be part of the safety net of health care here,” she says.

Meet 58 of UC’s youngest innovators

Who’s leading the way for the next generation across AI, entrepreneurship, science and more? UC, of course! The 2026 Forbes “30 Under 30” lists — 20 categories of 30 honorees each across the arts, technology and social impact — include UC alumni and faculty from seven campuses whose passions and promise are shaping the future.

Seeking game-changing research and partnerships: The new UC Regents Innovation Awards aim to inspire our community to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Strength training for everyone

If it’s been a while since you’ve worked out, you’re not a gym person or you find weights intimidating, that’s OK! Keith Baar, Ph.D., UC Davis Health professor of molecular exercise physiology, has compiled helpful tips and tools to get you started with building strength and muscle mass — no special equipment required. Watch his demo video and read his beginner-friendly advice.

Soup weather is here. Homemade soup is the perfect winter meal, evoking cozy vibes, simple to make and retaining nutrients in a flavorful broth. Try these delicious and healthy recipes.

UC People

Anna Levitt, connecting sustainability and health

Anna believes deeply and personally in UCSF’s mission and her team’s role to advance it.

Meet Anna