UCnetwork: September 2026

Think UC’s impact is big? Think bigger.

UC is making life better for Californians, not just on its campuses but in every corner of the state, with benefits that ripple across the country and around the world. From $82 billion in economic impact to 500,000 California jobs to healthcare that reaches 99% of California zip codes to an 85% Californian student body, being the world’s best university goes far beyond rankings. Explore new data on UC’s impact. The numbers are huge!

No. 1 for startups: Global analyses by PitchBook and Washington Monthly show how ideas that start on campus go on to generate economic activity, create jobs and change the world.

Video: President Milliken discusses his first year and the future of UC

UC President James B. Milliken recently sat down for a conversation with Tani Cantil-Sakauye, president and CEO of the Public Policy Institute of California and a UC Davis alumna. Together, they discussed his first year leading the University of California and the direction of UC and higher education more broadly. They reflected on UC’s accomplishments over the past year and the university’s continued impact on California, the nation and the world. Watch the conversation.

More presidential updates: Read a postcard from UC Santa Cruz and watch a conversation between President Milliken and UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons. (Don’t miss the guitar solo at the end!) And, follow President Milliken on his new LinkedIn for updates and reflections about his leadership perspective and news across UC.

Saving the best parts of California’s national parks

UC has always played a critical role in protecting national parks — beginning with the alumns who helped create the National Park Service. Today, UC science gives rangers the info they need to protect our parks while welcoming all who visit in search of inspiration, connection, and memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s how UC is making a difference.

Science beyond the stars: An “incredibly exciting” finding could turn out to be the first-ever direct observation of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up about 85% of the matter in the universe.

UC Spotlight: August/September staff wins

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! Meet colleagues and teams who are making an impact.

University-wide innovation and impact: The 2026 UC Tech Awards honored outstanding individuals and teams from throughout UC system, recognizing exceptional achievements in AI, innovation, design, information security, operational excellence, collaboration, and sustained impact. Explore the winners and watch the recap.

Protect your health: Make time for preventive care

Preventive care — including annual checkups, health screenings, blood work and recommended vaccines — can help identify potential concerns before they disrupt your daily life. Regular visits also help your primary care provider understand what’s normal for you and recognize changes over time. If it’s been a year or more since your last wellness visit, consider making an appointment. Learn more about why preventive care matters.

Staying active is also key to a healthy life. If you’re a runner or hoping to become one, UCLA Health shares tips for upping your running game.

Video: Inspire awe in your life with 8 science-backed tips

Can’t beat that “BLAHHHH” feeling? In the latest video from UC’s award-winning Fig. 1 video team, UC Berkeley professor Dacher Keltner shares how experiencing awe can make you feel happier and more connected to the world. Learn the science behind awe — what it does to your brain and body, why humans seem wired to seek it out, and how you can find more of it without booking a trip to the Grand Canyon. Start watching.

And, for more videos about science, culture and new discoveries from the UC, check out the Fig. 1 channel on YouTube.

Body and brain: New UC research on consciousness reveals that our perceptions, emotions, bodily awareness and sense of self are shaped in part by signals from within the body.

Star-studded cybersecurity event

Registration is open for the free 2026 UC Cybersecurity Summit, taking place virtually on Oct. 6 and 7. Speakers include algorithmic discrimination expert Safiya Noble of UCLA; educator and influencer Caitlin Sarian, aka Cybersecurity Girl; and Alex Stamos, who formerly ran cybersecurity at Facebook and Yahoo.

Helping the people who help students: UC recently launched a new elective e-course, “Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities,” to help faculty, academic appointees and related staff better understand their role, support student access and navigate accommodation requests, referrals, implementation and related questions or concerns.

Other opportunities to connect and learn: UC employees can access free, live MS Copilot training, and UC Travel is hosting vendor information webinars with giveaways.

Call for staff voting stories

Leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, UC will help get out the vote — making it easy for voters of all ages and affiliations to access the nonpartisan information they need to make their voices heard!

As part of these efforts, we’ll amplify the voices of UC staff who plan to head to the polls (or the mailbox) this year. Take a moment to share your perspectives and experiences on voting to help us tell the story of why the 2026 elections are important to you.

Speak up for science!

Federally funded research drives breakthroughs that make our lives better. From 2010-2019, 99% of FDA-approved drugs were developed with federal funding — and without sustained federal funding, these discoveries are at risk. Join the UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) in telling Congress to invest in the research that saves lives, grows our economy and makes our lives better.

What we’re up against, and how you can help: On Sept. 22 at 12 p.m. (PT), join UCAN for a discussion on what’s next for medical research funding. Get updates from UC’s federal team, first-hand insights from a UC researcher who knows exactly what’s on the line, and details on how you can help advocate for UC.

Get inspired by a patient story: Tyler Callaway, head coach of the UC San Diego surf team, has beaten cancer three times. He gives back by connecting pro surfers with cancer scientists, doctors, survivors and donors through Legends of Science and Surfing. The benefit has raised over $15 million for cancer research.

UC People

Eva Trujillo, honoring the ancestors

UC San Diego Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Repatriation Coordinator Eva Trujillo is a member of the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians and grew up in San Diego County.

Meet Eva