Campus News
Rally for California Science (SB 895) on May 4
If passed, SB 895 would place a $23 billion bond to fund scientific research on California’s November 2026 ballot.
Dear faculty colleagues,
On May 4, researchers, students, faculty, staff, and supporters from across the UC system will gather in Sacramento for a Rally for California Science in support of the California Science and Health Research Bond (SB 895). If passed, SB 895 would place a $23 billion bond to fund scientific research on California’s November 2026 ballot. This would be the largest state-level investment in scientific research in U.S. history. UC is encouraging people to attend.
Over the past year, scientific research at UC has faced unprecedented challenges. Federal funding freezes and grant terminations have threatened projects that save lives and drive economic growth. UC Santa Cruz is not immune, nor are the beneficiaries of the critical research carried out at UC Santa Cruz.
California can meet this moment by investing in research that benefits Californians. SB 895 would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research to issue competitive grants to public and private research institutions around the state. The bill would also ensure that Californians benefit from this investment through discounts on treatments and therapies developed through bond-funded research, and that a share of licensing and royalties from profitable discoveries will go towards funding future research.
With enough interest, there is the potential to arrange buses to take students and faculty to the rally.
Sincerely,
John MacMillan
Vice Chancellor for Research