UCLA College Life Sciences Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for the Division of Life Sciences on March 12, 2025 expressed concerns about the financial challenges facing UCLA, particularly the potential reduction in NIH funding.

A speaker highlighted the anxiety among junior faculty, especially untenured ones, about securing funding and the need for support in navigating alternative funding sources.

One speaker described the bureaucracy involved in the university’s processes and maintained that it hindered the important work being done to support the university’s larger mission.

Discussion focused on communication strategies and the need to remind audiences of the positive impact of the university’s work in the larger world.

One speaker asked about the university’s support of inclusive excellence in light of recent federal actions and executive orders.

Themes

• Funding Concerns: Speakers raised concerns about the future of research funding, particularly from sources like the NIH. Discussion focused on the impact funding cuts would have on research projects and faculty positions.
• Junior Faculty Support: Speakers expressed concern for the well-being of junior faculty, especially those who are untenured. They highlighted the need for additional support and resources to help them navigate the challenges of securing funding and building their careers.
• Industry Solutions: There was a call for more emphasis on teaching entrepreneurial skills to faculty, particularly in the context of securing financial funding from non-traditional sources like foundations and private industry. There was criticism of the complex and lengthy approval processes within the university system. One speaker called for streamlining these processes to allow for faster implementation. 
• Competition with Other Institutions: Speakers acknowledged the competitive landscape in higher education and emphasized the need for UCLA to be more agile and responsive to changing funding priorities and market demands. 
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) The impact of political actions on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives was discussed. Concern was expressed about the public perception of universities and the potential for funding cuts.
• Support for Faculty and Staff: Speakers emphasized the need for continued support for faculty and staff working on EDI initiatives and other projects. The ratio of faculty to students was also discussed.
• Funding Allocations: There was a call for greater transparency in how funding is allocated at UCLA so that faculty can be more involved in decision-making processes.
• Addressing Disparities: The need to address disparities across different units and departments at UCLA was raised, as well as the need to ensure that all units have the resources they need to thrive.
• Communication Strategy: The need for a clear and effective strategy for communicating the importance of research and higher education to policymakers and the public was discussed. 
• Building Alliances: Speakers emphasized the importance of building alliances with other institutions, organizations, and individuals who share a commitment to research and innovation. 
• Weathering the Storm: There was a sense of urgency about finding solutions to the challenges facing UCLA and the research community and a determination to find creative, new sources of funding.