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Chancellor Dennis Assanis, center, shaking hands with UC President James Milliken on stage at the inauguration ceremony. Nobel laureate David Gross stands to the left in academic regalia.

Nobel discovery, quantum science and biomedical innovation featured in chancellor’s inauguration events

2026-05-28

Science faculty and Nobel laureates were among the voices highlighted during Chancellor Dennis Assanis’ inauguration events, underscoring strengths in discovery-driven research, experimental science and public-impact innovation.

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A dense optical table setup in David Weld's physics laboratory, illuminated by glowing red and purple lights, featuring mirrors and lenses.

Physics professor David Weld selected for 2026 National Brown Investigator Award

2026-05-28

UC Santa Barbara physics professor David Weld has been selected for the 2026 National Brown Investigator Award, receiving up to $2 million over five years to advance curiosity-driven research in quantum science.

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A UCSB mentor in a UCSB sweatshirt speaks with a student looking through a microscope.

At county science fair, UC Santa Barbara mentors help young researchers see what’s possible

2026-05-22

Local middle and high school students explored microscopy, virtual reality and bionic vision research through hands-on lab experiences with campus scientists.

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A gray whale breaks the surface of the ocean water and exhales a tall spout of mist, with the San Francisco city skyline in the background.

Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology professor Douglas McCauley deploys AI thermal technology to protect San Francisco Bay whales

2026-05-19

A research team led by UC Santa Barbara ecology professor Douglas McCauley has unveiled a new AI-powered thermal imaging system to detect gray whales in the San Francisco Bay and alert mariners to prevent fatal ship strikes.

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A large audience seated in Corwin Pavilion listening to Secretary Wade Crowfoot deliver a presentation from the stage.

UC Santa Barbara turns climate policy toward local wildfire action

2026-05-13

Secretary Wade Crowfoot’s campus lecture and the Santa Barbara Wildfire Resilience Collaborative’s inaugural meeting turned fire risk into a shared agenda for science, policy and community preparedness.

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Exterior of Henley Hall at UC Santa Barbara featuring large glass windows, a reddish-brown slatted roof overhang, and small trees in the foreground.

Honoring a legacy: UC Santa Barbara marks 50th annual B.R. Baker Memorial Lecture

2026-05-11

Join the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for a milestone event honoring a UC Santa Barbara legacy. Scripps Research Professor Phil S. Baran will explore breakthroughs in organic synthesis at the 50th annual B.R. Baker Memorial Lecture.

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Headshot of Professor Karen Szumlinski, 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award recipient, wearing a light-colored blazer against a neutral grey background.

Psychological and Brain Sciences professor Karen Szumlinski receives 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award

2026-04-24

UC Santa Barbara honors professor Karen Szumlinski with the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award for her excellence in addiction research, student mentorship and community neuroscience education. The award recognizes her leadership within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and her impactful local outreach.

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Composite image celebrating the 2026 American Academy of Arts and Sciences electees from UC Santa Barbara. Pictured from left to right are oceanographer Alice Alldredge, astrophysicist Lars Bildsten, and Chancellor Emeritus Henry Yang.

Two Science Faculty Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

2026-04-22

UC Santa Barbara oceanographer Alice L. Alldredge and theoretical astrophysicist Lars Bildsten have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for 2026, joining Chancellor Emeritus Henry T. Yang in this year's prestigious class.

Continue Reading Two Science Faculty Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences