UCLA will receive $1 million from the Amgen Foundation under a partnership announced today to expand the number of the university's undergraduate students involved in a fully-funded, hands-on research experience each summer.

"It's an honor to participate in this national initiative. The research opportunities it provides to undergraduates will encourage them to further their studies and perhaps to pursue careers in science," said UCLA Acting Chancellor Norman Abrams.

Judith Smith, vice provost for undergraduate education, said, "Our campus has been a national leader in promoting undergraduate science support, and the Amgen program will be a welcome new addition to our Summer Program for Student Research. Through undergraduate research, students gain fundamental research skills, learn more about the scientific discovery process and network with peers and top scientists as they prepare to become our next generation of scientists."

Amgen Scholars is a $25-million, eight-year program that will provide research experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and, eventually, a career in science. The program includes partnerships with 10 of the nation's premier universities, six of which are located in California. For the first phase of the program, which extends through 2010, UCLA and the other nine universities will each receive $1 million over the next four years. Program participants will include UCLA students as well as students from other accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States and Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.

During the summer, Amgen research scholars will participate in research projects, scientific seminars and work under some of the nation's top academic scientists, said professor Patty Phelps, who will direct UCLA's program as part of the Undergraduate Research Center for Science, Engineering and Math Students. All participating scholars also will have the opportunity to take part in an annual mid-summer, three-day Amgen symposium in California. Students will have the chance to discuss their research projects and hear firsthand from leading scientists from industry and academia.
Financial support for students is a critical component of the program, so eligible students regardless of their financial status are able to participate. Students will receive a competitive stipend along with room, board and a travel allowance, including travel to and from the university and symposium.

"At Amgen, we believe we have an important responsibility to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists," said Jean Lim, president, Amgen Foundation. "We believe our partnership with UCLA will provide students with a pivotal experience that will encourage them to pursue further education and training in the sciences. In California alone, we are partnering with six of the state's top universities, committing a total of $6 million over the next four years."

The nine other program partners include California Institute of Technology; Columbia University/Barnard College; Howard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, San Diego; University of California, San Francisco; and University of Washington.

For more information about Amgen Scholars, please visit www.amgenscholars.com.

About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance science education, improve patient access to quality care and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the foundation has made $70 million in grants to local, regional and national nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. It also has supported disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.

About UCLA
California's largest university, UCLA enrolls approximately 38,000 students per year and offers degrees from the UCLA College of Letters and Science and 11 professional schools in dozens of varied disciplines. UCLA consistently ranks among the top five universities and colleges nationwide in total research-and-development spending, receiving more than $820 million a year in competitively awarded federal and state grants and contracts. For every $1 state taxpayers invest in UCLA, the university generates almost $9 in economic activity, resulting in an annual $6 billion economic impact on the Greater Los Angeles region. The university's health care network treats 450,000 patients per year. UCLA employs more than 27,000 faculty and staff, has more than 350,000 living alumni and has been home to five Nobel Prize recipients.

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