Our mission: Improving lives

The nation’s leading public university is dedicated to solving problems that matter to you.

Innovating to keep America in the lead

Solutions developed here generate good-paying jobs, advance national security and help families stay healthy and connected.

Scientists in the Doudna lab looking at a computer screen.

Fixing glitches in the code of life

Parents facing genetic diseases, farmers battling drought, and patients fighting malaria now have new hope thanks to CRISPR. This groundbreaking gene-editing technology, pioneered by UC scientists, is driving life-changing solutions and a new era of discovery.

A woman and child look into a large crack in the ground caused by an earthquake.

When seconds count

A breakthrough app now alerts Californians to earthquakes seconds before shaking begins — offering precious moments to seek safety.

Putting powerful tech to work for American security

While most of us don’t think much about nuclear safety, a powerful UC-developed supercomputer is working behind the scenes, protecting the nation’s stockpile and helping scientists unlock new cures and cleaner energy for the future.

Meet the world's fastest computer

A person inside a server room filled with red, blue and green cables

Revolutionizing care for families

Every day, Californians turn to UC hospitals and clinics for answers, healing and hope. From cancer breakthroughs to compassionate care, UC health teams at 6 academic health centers, 5 comprehensive cancer centers, and thousands of clinics and other locations are changing the lives of millions of families for the better.

Life-saving care in California’s Central Valley

Jazmin Quijano gave birth at 22 weeks in the passenger seat of her car. Paramedics raced her one-pound newborn 50 miles to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, where the survival rate for early premies is double the national average. Five months later, Jazmin brought baby Daleyza home healthy, happy and seven pounds heavier.

Lifelong care for Californians

A doctor and nurse looking at a computer screen with an underwater mural behind them.

A pro skater rides again

Shawn Connolly was among the first patients with Parkinson’s disease to get an experimental brain implant that neutralizes symptoms before they interrupt his life. Nine years after his diagnosis, Connolly is back on his board, and his treatment just got approved by the FDA.

An AI-assisted breakthrough

A smiling woman wearing a floral headscarf sits closely next to a man outdoors.

Federal funding drives progress in the fight against cancer

Robust government funding for cancer research has helped drive down cancer deaths by 33 percent in a generation. This investment has delivered enormous returns: millions of lives saved, not to mention $69 billion in annual economic activity and 7 million jobs.

The cost of falling behind

Feeding the nation

UC is a trusted partner for Golden State growers, who produce a third of the nation’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruit and nuts while contributing nearly $60 billion to the state’s economy.

Row of strawberry plants in a covered greenhouse.

From lab to field to plate

UC plant scientists constantly release new and improved crop varietals so farmers can grow tastier, more nutritious food using less water, energy and pesticides. (Fun fact: 60 percent of the world’s strawberries originated here.)

A person wearing a large sun hat closely inspects almonds growing on a tree branch.

Science at the speed of agriculture

California almond farmers are confronting the carpophilus beetle, a newly arrived pest that could hit the $4 billion industry hard. A UC scientist spent most of last year investigating this troublesome bug, and now he’s uniting farmers to fight it.

Close up of a chicken with stacks of eggs in the background.

Staying ahead of avian flu

UC is supporting people on the front lines of the crisis, ensuring our food supply stays safe and helping poultry and dairy operations protect workers and prevent spread to other farms.

Stand with UC

The University of California is vital to the future of the state and our nation. During a time of change for higher education, we’re mobilizing our community behind our core values and enormous contributions. When we’re united, we bring real change on issues that matter, and shape the future of the world’s leading public research institution.