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| Anteater Time Machine: A graduate embraces her family after the commencement ceremony, circa 1975. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives) |
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| | Oswald Steward awarded 2026 Kavli Prize |
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| Oswald Steward, Reeve-Irvine and Distinguished Professor of anatomy and neurobiology as well as neurobiology and behavior, has been awarded the 2026 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in science, for discoveries that fundamentally changed understanding of how neurons build, strengthen and modify connections in the brain involved in learning, memory and recovery from injury. “Oswald Steward’s pioneering discoveries have reshaped neuroscience and expanded our understanding of how the brain learns, adapts and heals,” said UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman. “This honor recognizes a career of scientific excellence and reflects UC Irvine’s longstanding leadership in advancing research that improves lives.” |
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| UC Irvine researchers Yael Marks (left) and Isabel F. Almeida helped identify barriers that prevent many women from receiving folic acid supplementation. |
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| Access to healthcare and insurance coverage strongly influence whether women take recommended amounts of folic acid to help prevent serious birth defects, according to a new study from UC Irvine researchers using the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program data. The findings can aid public health efforts focused on improving preventive care access, culturally responsive outreach and folic acid fortification initiatives. “Preventing neural tube defects begins long before pregnancy, which is why access to healthcare and preventive education is so important for all women of reproductive age,” said corresponding author Yael Marks, health sciences assistant clinical professor in the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Our findings show that structural barriers like insurance coverage can strongly influence whether women receive this simple but lifesaving intervention.” The National Institutes of Health supported the work. #SpeakUp4Science |
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| | Nation’s first multischool depression research institute |
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| UC Irvine marked a major milestone in mental health research on June 9 with the launch of the Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries, which university leaders describe as the first institute in the nation to formally unite multiple academic schools in a coordinated effort to address depression. “Through the institute, we have an unprecedented opportunity to join forces to make fundamental discoveries to advance treatments to help those with depression live healthier lives,” said Diego Pizzagalli, founding director (above). “UC Irvine is set to be at the forefront of this research because of our distinctive collaborative nature.” |
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| | Dean reappointed to second term |
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| UC Irvine has reappointed Dean Jon B. Gould to serve a second term as the leader of the School of Social Ecology, running from Jan. 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031. “Since joining UC Irvine in 2022, Gould has provided steady, collaborative leadership while navigating a complex and evolving higher education landscape,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Hal Stern. “He has transformed the school’s reach, reputation and impact with a vision centered on interdisciplinary scholarship, community engagement and translating research into real-world solutions.” |
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| | Behind the scenes of commencement 2026 |
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| As UC Irvine prepares to celebrate the class of 2026, extensive preparations are underway to support graduates and their guests during commencement ceremonies. Shade structures, water stations and other event amenities will be available throughout the venue to help create a comfortable experience for the attendees. UC Irvine is grateful to Town & Country Event Rentals + Signature Party Rentals and the many campus and community partners whose support helps make commencement possible. For ceremony schedules, guest information, parking details and additional commencement resources, please visit commencement.uci.edu. |
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| | Urge lawmakers to include UC in the 2026 housing bond |
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| California lawmakers are considering the Affordable Housing Bond of 2026, a proposed $10 billion statewide investment to expand affordable housing across the state. But as currently written, the proposal does not include funding for public higher education institutions like UC. That means UC students could be left out of one of the state’s most significant housing investments in decades – even as many continue to face serious housing challenges, especially in high-cost regions where affordable options are limited. The UC Advocacy Network urges individuals to email lawmakers to include UC in the final housing bond proposal. |
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| The Annual Liam E. McGee Leadership Lecture is an event honoring McGee’s legacy of principled, mission-driven leadership. |
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| | | Celebrating first graduates of Labor Studies Certificate |
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| Valerie Grimaldo, left, and Diana Hernandez are the first students to earn the Labor Studies Certificate. |
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| Valerie Grimaldo and Diana Hernandez, graduating seniors, have become the first students to earn the Labor Center and the School of Social Sciences new Labor Studies Certificate – a milestone that marks the university’s commitment to prepare the next generation of labor organizers, advocates and policy leaders. |
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| #UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags. |
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Associated Press, June 11 Cited: Amalia Kaufman, instructor in the Division of Continuing Education |
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Knowridge, June 11 Cited: Alexandre Chan, professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice |
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OC World, June 9 Cited: Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology; Judy Wu, professor of history and Asian American Studies |
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