In a special year-end video message, Vice Chancellor for Research Collard reflects on this year’s journey, the UCSF research community's shared progress despite challenges, and hopes for the year ahead.
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Hello, everyone. As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey the research community has shared throughout 2025. This has been a year of significant challenges, and I know many of you have felt the weight of those obstacles firsthand.
We faced the initial termination of approximately 100 research grants, only to see most of them later reinstated due to the success of federal legal challenges.
However, I want to recognize that there remain over two dozen grants that were lost, impacting the careers of many of our researchers and the advancement of our research mission. This is still deeply felt.
We have also had to navigate shifting federal policies that impact large portfolios of research, including critical international projects, and have had to adapt to a government shutdown and other challenges that influence the scale and pace of our work.
These disruptions have necessitated difficult decisions—staff reductions, restructuring, and the constant challenge of navigating uncertainty.
I know these transitions have been hard, and I deeply appreciate the resilience and dedication each of you has shown in rising to meet them head-on.
Despite all of this, we have proven once again that resilience is at the core of who we are. Together, we have continued to advance our mission of research excellence, finding innovative ways to adapt in the face of adversity.
The Office of Research annual report highlights some of the incredible projects and achievements from this year, and I encourage you to take a moment to review this on our website and celebrate these successes.
The Office of Research has worked tirelessly to support investigators and their teams.
To our Office of Research staff: thank you for navigating a year full of change with unwavering dedication to excellence. Your resilience and ingenuity have been remarkable, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting you and your teams.
And to our investigators, scholars, and research staff: thank you for continuing to push the boundaries of discovery, even amidst the ever-changing nature of the research landscape. Your work is vital—not only to our institution but to the world.
As we look ahead to 2026, I feel hopeful—not only for stabilization but for expansion of research funding and support.
At the state level, the UC system is actively engaging in advocacy for Senate Bill 607, a key initiative to increase funding for research across California.
At the federal level, we’re anticipating stability in funding streams from agencies like the NIH, and I remain optimistic about continued congressional support for facilities and administration costs that are critical to our operations.
While challenges may still arise, I am confident that our resilience and shared commitment to advancing research will carry us forward. Together, we will build on the progress we’ve made and continue to make a difference in the lives of countless people through the extraordinary work we do.
Thank you to all of you in the UCSF research community for everything you’ve done this year.
I am grateful to work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals, and I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish together in 2026.
Wishing you and your loved ones a restful and joyful holiday season, and a bright start to the new year.