School of Medicine Office of Research’s first public research impact report

It is a distinct honor to offer this first-ever public annual report of our research impact at UC Davis School of Medicine. Within these pages, you can read about our record-breaking year for research funding and some of the exciting investigations that this funding has and will support. Our investigators are working across the entire spectrum of biomedical research, from experiments on cells and molecules to studies that assess the effectiveness of public health interventions and engage our surrounding communities. They are united in a clear-minded goal to improve the health of society. I am certain you will agree that our outstanding faculty fully exemplify the vision of UC Davis Health – “Delivering tomorrow’s healthcare today.”

In this snapshot, we are able to highlight just a few of the more than 500 principal investigators (PIs) directing basic, translational and clinical research projects at UC Davis School of Medicine. In fact, our research community is one of considerable breadth and depth, which is further strengthened by collaborations “across the causeway” to our sister Schools and Colleges. It is also important to note that along with each PI there is typically a team of colleagues, including professional researchers, students, clinical trainees and post-doctoral fellows, powering an engine of discovery. We’re also delighted to be supporting a robust pipeline of early career faculty, many of whom have gained national career development awards and other funding. Together, our researchers are an impressive force for innovation, continuous improvement of healthcare practices, and economic development for the city and region.

This year also saw the official ground-breaking for perhaps our most exciting project – the University/public/private partnership known as Aggie Square. The School of Medicine will be the largest tenant in this technology neighborhood. As the first buildings of the development rise quickly, we are planning for the researchers and scientific emphases that will comprise the first wave of occupants in early 2025, with a focus on team science and the potential for partnerships with neighboring industry tenants. And Aggie Square will be a notable force multiplier for the entire Sacramento campus of UC Davis, not just those who will be housed there, offering new core facilities and shared resources to all. We’re excited to see this distinctive vision of UC Davis Chancellor Gary May move closer to reality.

Thank you for your interest in our many research advances in the past year, and do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide further information about any of the people or projects featured within, or indeed any of our research efforts (somor@ucdavis.edu).

Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D.
Vice Dean for Research and Distinguished Professor of Physiology and Membrane Biology