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From President Drake
Sharing our discoveries with the world
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to emcee one of my favorite events at the University of California, Grad Slam. This is the annual celebration where UC graduate students compete to explain years of research in only three minutes.
Meeting these graduate student champions was inspiring. They did an incredible job at conveying the excitement, the importance and the promise of their research. It was a simple but elegant demonstration of what University of California students, faculty, and staff strive toward every single day — the pursuit of new knowledge and the sharing of our discoveries with the world. And it was a reminder that when we all sometimes get lost in the details of our daily lives, it helps to step back to look at the big picture of why it all matters.
If you haven’t already, take a look at our new homepage at UniversityofCalifornia.edu, which highlights the University’s research and innovation and its impact on the world. Every day, people across the University are doing amazing things to improve lives — whether it’s UC nurses harnessing the power of AI, UC research scientists helping America hold its lead at quantum computing, or UC undergraduate students taking part in important research.
The world is taking notice. Recently, members of the UC community have been honored with Breakthrough Prizes in fundamental physics and life sciences. The latest rankings show our graduate programs leading the nation.
Thank you for your part in this miraculous innovation and positive impact on the world around us, and Fiat Lux.
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President
James B. Milliken named 22nd president of UC
A seasoned higher education leader, president-designate Milliken comes to UC from the University of Texas, where he has been guided by his commitment to expanding opportunity and student success. He will assume his role as UC president on Aug. 1, 2025. Read more about president-designate Milliken and explore his peers’ perspectives.
UC still needs you! Here’s how to help.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised budget slashes proposed cuts to UC’s budget by more than half — a big win for our students, staff, and communities. But this budget is not final yet. Lawmakers need to hear loud and clear: UC funding matters. Every post, call and email you send makes a difference. Let them know that funding UC matters to Californians: Speak up now!
Discover UC’s impact. The redesigned universityofcalifornia.edu homepage showcases our transformative work throughout California and beyond. Explore our stories — and share them with your community! And, read more about the updates.
A holistic approach to women’s health
Women’s health needs evolve over time, requiring personalized care at every life stage. Get expert advice about steps you can take to maintain your well-being for life.
Get help with diabetes prevention and management. UC San Diego recently shared how the UC Diabetes Prevention Program has helped their staff. Find a DPP program at your location.
UC Health expands lung cancer screening
The UC Lung Cancer Consortium and AstraZeneca announced a five-year partnership to expand the Healthy Lungs California initiative, which is aimed at increasing early lung cancer detection to reduce deaths. Researchers from five UC locations will unite with community partners to address gaps in screening, identify people at heightened risk and advocate for related policy changes. Learn more about the initiative.
More news from UC Health: UC Irvine Health Family Health Centers are providing greatly needed care for Orange County residents, ensuring access to health care, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.
UC Spotlight: Kudos for our work together
Our monthly UC Spotlight celebrates UC locations, teams and individual staff members who are helping to make UC a great place to work. Read this month’s Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are making a difference. Then, learn how to share your achievements.
Inspiring, impactful womxn. Check out the extraordinary technology leaders featured in UC Womxn in Technology’s listing of Womxn Rock IT 2025.
A tale of Tinder wins the day
Earlier this month, UC graduate students came together for Grad Slam, the UC-wide competition that challenges students to explain complex research in just three minutes. UCSF Ph.D. student Sophia Miliotis took home the first-place “Slammy” trophy and $8,000 for her creative talk that compared HIV therapy to a notorious dating app. Check out the winning talks.
Impactful research isn’t limited to grad school: 70% of UC undergraduates participate in research, creative projects, internships or service during their time at UC.
Protect your UC accounts
Dozens of UC employees have recently fallen victim to sophisticated phishing attacks — there have been phony emails, fake websites and even fake help desk calls! Learn what to look out for and how to protect yourself.
Sign up for free identity-theft protection: All benefits-eligible faculty, staff and retirees (along with their eligible dependents under the age of 18) can sign up for UC-paid identity theft protection through Experian. Learn how to get started.
Meet the canine conversationalists
When cognitive science professor Federico Rossanohis first saw “dogfluencers” using buttons to converse with their owners, he was skeptical. But after studying button-pushing pups for years, he and his team have published new research that will make you rethink just how much dogs are capable of telling us. Watch the latest Fig. 1 video to learn more.
UC People
Veronica Adrover, framer of moments
Over 20 years, Veronica has documented the advent of UC Merced and the people who work, learn and teach there.
UC voices
“She’s motivated. To her, it’s a game she knows how to win, and she likes the fish that come with it.” — Colleen Reichmuth
UC Santa Cruz research scientist, on Ronan the sea lion — the only non-human mammal to demonstrate highly precise beat keeping.
More UC news
11 UC faculty honored with 2025 Guggenheim fellowships
You’re invited to the UC Systemwide Academic Freedom Congress
Apply for the 2025-2026 VOICE Initiative
Nine UC alumni awarded 2025 Pulitzer Prizes
Young UC scientists and economists selected for prestigious Nobel laureate meeting
CUCSA shares recording of town hall featuring Regent Anguiano
For questions about UCnetwork, contact our editorial team at ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu.