UCnetwork: March 2026

VIDEO: UC sponsors SB 895 to support scientific research funding in California

As UC faces one of the most significant disruptions to our research enterprise in our 158-year history, we are sponsoring SB 895, state Senator Scott Wiener’s bipartisan legislation that would place a $23 billion bond to fund scientific research across the state on the November 2026 ballot.

“We are proud to cosponsor this bill and will always stand up for science,” says UC President James B. Milliken in a new video.

You can help protect California’s investment in UC. With a multi-billion-dollar projected state deficit, the governor and Legislature are confronting difficult funding decisions that will shape our state’s future. Your voice can make a difference — last year, the UC community helped protect UC’s funding by sending 18,000 emails! Get inspired by President Milliken’s remarks to the CA Legislature, then email your lawmakers to share your support.

Sustainability is driving major cost savings across UC

The university has saved approximately $620 million since 2010 by improving the energy efficiency of our facilities — including $100 million in 2024 alone! UC’s most recent Annual Sustainability Report highlights the fiscal and environmental benefits of our progress, including real-world examples of impactful changes throughout the system, from infrastructure updates to equipment recycling to lightbulb and appliance upgrades. Three cheers for all the staff who have helped make these efforts possible!

File your 2025 Health and DepCare FSA claims by April 15

The Dependent Care (DepCare) and Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) both let you save on your taxes by using pretax funds to cover certain expenses. They have different rules and deadlines, though, and two big ones are coming up: March 15 is the last day of your DepCare FSA grace period, and April 15 is the deadline to file claims for your eligible 2025 DepCare, Health and Limited Purpose FSA. Here’s what you need to know.

ICYMI last month: Learn how to access your UC tax forms, and remember that UC never sends tax documents by email or text.

UC Spotlight: 30+ 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 30+ colleagues who are making an impact.

Make a difference at UC by applying to be the next staff advisor. UC’s staff advisors represent our interests at the highest level of UC leadership — the UC Board of Regents. Applications for 2026-2028 are open through Wednesday, April 8. Learn about the staff advisors, then apply here.

UC leads the world in patented inventions — again!

Our university secured more U.S. utility patents than any other university worldwide last year, according to the National Academy of Inventors. This No. 1 ranking — which we’ve achieved 11 times in the past 12 years — highlights UC’s unmatched record for innovation and underscores the importance of federal funding in powering America’s scientific and technological leadership.

Another UC research win: 18 UC faculty members from six campuses were named 2026 Sloan Research fellows — the highest number of fellows affiliated with any institution. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding early-career researchers with the potential to redefine their fields. A fun fact: UC leads all institutions in Sloan fellows across the program’s 61-year history. 

The latest UC research on nutrition and health

The research that takes place throughout UC — in labs, in classrooms and out in the field — makes a huge impact on the everyday lives of Californians and people around the world. Join us in exploring this month’s most fascinating research breakthroughs related to human nutrition and health — from demystifying nutritional dark matter to skin care advancements to matters of the heart.

Out-of-this-world science: UC Berkeley’s Blue and Gold satellites are flying through Earth’s magnetotail — a never-before-visited region of Earth’s magnetic field.

UC People

Maria Rocha-Ruiz, transforming the Central Coast

The daughter of migrant farmers from Castroville, Maria has devoted her life and career to uplifting local students.

Meet Maria