UCSC Research Improves Lives and Livelihoods
UC Santa Cruz researchers are helping to ensure the United States remains the worldwide leader for innovation.
With federal investment, UC Santa Cruz researchers are conducting cutting-edge research to help:
For more than 60 years, UC Santa Cruz researchers have played a pivotal role in tackling some of the most challenging problems affecting individuals and communities, while also preparing the next generation of researchers who will help the nation remain at the forefront of discovery. Our research accomplishments are just a few examples of the extraordinary impacts that federal funding has created over the years.
Breaking new ground in cancer detection and treatment
Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, UC Santa Cruz researchers have made significant strides in cancer research to help inform new detection and treatment strategies.
A leader in the pursuit of personalized medicine
UC Santa Cruz researchers are working across disciplines to unlock the secrets of the human genome—the complete set of DNA instructions contained in our cells that guides how our bodies develop and function.
We believe this will allow us to understand why some people get sick from certain infections, environmental factors or behaviors and usher in a new era of personalized medicine that will enable earlier diagnoses, enhanced interventions and deliver targeted treatments.
Seeking cures for devastating diseases
Each of us and our loved ones will face unexpected health challenges at some point in our lifetimes. UC Santa Cruz researchers are dedicating their careers to creating solutions that will help save lives.
Researchers are actively working to develop easier and less expensive screenings for heart disease, uncovering new pathways to treat degenerative disease, and combining gene therapy with optogenetics to create new treatments for epilepsy.
Accelerating sustainable agriculture
At UC Santa Cruz, we’re improving farming in ways that protect people and the environment, while supporting farmer livelihoods and making agriculture a viable career path for the next generation.
Our research helps farmers produce the healthy, affordable food our nation needs through resource efficiency, pollution reduction, and organic alternatives to toxic chemicals. We’re also applying emerging technologies like advanced imaging and sensors in safe and socially responsible ways.
Developing breakthrough technologies
Researchers are pioneering breakthrough technologies that enhance lives and livelihoods across industries. From revolutionizing DNA sequencing to developing smart bandages, their work is driving real-world impact.
Creating energy-efficient AI, improving biodiesel production, and developing powerful new antivirals are just a few areas where UC Santa Cruz researchers are making a difference.
Training the nation’s future workforce
UC Santa Cruz is helping the United States remain the worldwide leader in innovation by teaching students cutting-edge skills, by transforming discoveries into breakthrough technologies, and creating a climate resilience workforce to serve region, state and nation.
Recent news
NIH awards $3 million to continue research on molecular mechanisms that control cell growth, size
The lab will study cell growth and size in normal cells—and how it goes wrong in cancer. Discovery of these mechanisms could identify new targets for anti-cancer drugs.
Pushing the boundaries of biotechnology
Potentially opening up treatment possibilities for diseases in areas like oncology, cardiometabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions improving the lives of millions.
Long read sequencing reveals more genetic information while cutting time and cost of rare disease diagnoses
A new study shows that long-read sequencing has the potential to improve the rate of diagnosis while reducing the time to diagnosis from years to days — in a single test and at a much lower cost.
National investments (FY24)
$52M
National Institutes of Health
$25M
National Science Foundation
$14M
Department of Defense
$13M
Department of Energy
$9.5M
Department of Education
$6.8M
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration