Health & Well-being
Global and regional community health and wellness
Inspiring health and healthy communities
Our rich teaching and cutting-edge research, combined with the transformative potential of emerging technologies and decades of deep community partnerships, create an opportunity for UC Santa Cruz to become a driving force for healthy and flourishing communities.
We think about health broadly and holistically. From our groundbreaking advances in genomics and RNA biology, to innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, to long-standing work in organic farming, and to pragmatic approaches to reducing health inequalities, we are exploring multiple factors that influence health.
UC Santa Cruz is uniquely positioned to transform regional health education and expand access to medical professionals in the Central Coast region. This alignment of academic excellence, technological innovation, and community engagement represents both our responsibility and our remarkable potential to advance healthcare access and outcomes.
Support global and regional community health and wellness
Foundational discoveries in human health
UC Santa Cruz is advancing genomics and RNA research to transform human health. By integrating teaching and discovery across fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and biomedical engineering, we connect our campus to the full health landscape—from fundamental research to clinical care, community well-being, and global health impact.
Pioneer new approaches in global and community health
Healthy communities depend on a healthy environment. By addressing the intersections of climate, agriculture, and environmental health, we advance human health and wellness through sustainable food systems, clean air and water, and resilient ecosystems.
Provide opportunities for aspiring medical professionals
By creating new pathways to medical careers, UC Santa Cruz is transforming healthcare education to meet California’s critical need for more health professionals, particularly in the Central Coast. From K–12 mentoring and access to new undergraduate majors, to postbaccalaureate preparation for admission to medical school, aspiring medical professionals have the opportunity to train, grow, and serve their communities.
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News
Tiny RNA molecules in sperm, big impact on baby health
Molecular mechanism uncovered in mice by UC Santa Cruz researchers reveals how a father’s diet, stress, and other environmental factors before conception can influence his offspring’s health
David Deamer and David Haussler elected Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors
The recognition is the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors.
Helping health care providers navigate social, political, and legal barriers to patient care
A new case study in “The Lancet” offers tips for health system leaders on how and when to call in outside resources and organizations
Revealing the secrets of the human brain
UC Santa Cruz research innovations and academic programs advance brain and mental health.
Evidence suggests early developing human brains are preconfigured with instructions for understanding the world
Assistant Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Tal Sharf’s lab used organoids to make fundamental discoveries about human brain development.
Study works to uncover the impact of nutrition on the health of young adults
With funding from the National Institutes of Health, The Center for Economic Justice and Action is leading a study that will deepen our understanding of how food access affects lifelong health and how economic and social factors contribute to overall well-being among young adults.
