UC has a strong commitment to public service and research. Here are some of the 2009 highlights of work that contributes to California's most pressing policy debates.

Water crisis: As California endured a third consecutive year of drought, the University of California declared water one of its top research priorities. Throughout the system, experts are playing a vital role in monitoring the state's water supply, documenting environmental side effects of drought and leading research on water conservation and generating new sources of water.

Trials and triumphs UC's achievements in a challenging year

ATHENA Breast Health Network: The five UC medical centers — Davis, Irvine, UCLA, San Diego and San Francisco — collectively began the ATHENA Breast Health Network in September. The UC-led initiative aims to accelerate advancements in breast cancer prevention, screening and treatment. ATHENA will screen some 150,000 women throughout California and follow them for several decades. "Our goal," said Dr. Laura Esserman, ATHENA principal investigator and UCSF professor of surgery and radiology, "is to improve survival and reduce suffering from breast cancer. ... The primary thing is to integrate research and care."

Climate change: Throughout the year, UC scientists analyzed the impact of climate change on the globe, from wildlife to water to human health. Researchers and students from several campuses attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP-15, in Copenhagen, Denmark at year's end.

Earthquakes: The San Francisco Bay Area marked the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake in October — an apt opportunity to examine the scientific and engineering advances UC spearheaded. Our experts continue to translate the lessons learned from Loma Prieta into practical solutions that make California more quake safe.

UC Global Health Institute: Launched in November, the institute features three multicampus centers of expertise, drawing upon experts from throughout the 10-campus system, to address global health problems. Students will work toward master's or doctorate degrees while researching and developing solutions to issues impacting health around the globe.

Alzheimer's disease: As our population ages, a projected leap in the number of Alzheimer's disease cases looms. UC researchers are investigating the causes of the disease, as well as planning for care for those affected.

—  Terri Hunter-Davis