From Labs to Lives

Federal Funding
Matters

Federal research funding turns lab work into real help. More funding means faster treatments, cleaner air and water, safer families and stronger businesses. When funding freezes, progress slows and costs rise.

39%

of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes

$13.2 Billion

UC Davis powers billions in economic impact to California, supporting more than 68,300 jobs statewide

$70 million

lost in research funding if proposed 15% cap on NIH reimbursement is approved

Read How UC Davis Research Improves Lives

Critical research hangs in the balance as UC faces unprecedented federal threats

University of California breakthroughs — from the internet to cancer drugs to the chip in your smartphone to the food on your plate — have saved countless lives worldwide, sparked whole new industries, and kept America safer and stronger on the world stage. But now, UC scientists’ ability to move forward faces multiple obstacles.

Read the story

Science Basics and Breakthroughs

A translucent plastic tray with six round wells containing small green plants.

Cheaper, Sustainable Plant Biomanufacturing on Earth and in Space

by Neelanjana Gautam
September 15, 2025

Jakiro or "Jak," a 9-year-old black domestic shorthair owned by Tina Thomas sleeps in the sun. Jak was part of a clinical trial testing a new cancer drug for cats with squamous cell carcinoma. (Tina Thomas)

New Cancer Drug Could Help Cats and People

by Amy Quinton
August 28, 2025

A farmer runs his hand through the grains of a wheat field. UC Davis scientists have developed wheat plants that can stimulate the production of their own fertilizer. (Getty)

Wheat That Makes Its Own Fertilizer

by Trina Kleist
August 27, 2025

By the Numbers

Progress follows steady investment. When funding grows, solutions arrive faster and cost less. When funding freezes, we all wait longer and pay more.

Extramural Awards by Source ($Millions)

A graph showing the federal funding impact on UC Davis Research

Funding Sources

Experts Weigh In

Hear UC Davis researchers explain how federal support speeds treatments, protects communities and supports local jobs.

Hear From UC Davis Researchers

Learn How Our Research Affects Lives

Cancer

Agriculture

Technology

Alzheimer’s and Brain Health

Energy and Environment

Children’s and Community Health

Heart Health

Curative Medicine

These breakthroughs are just a small sample of the work happening across UC Davis labs and fields, but they all trace back to basic research. Supporting basic research at universities like ours ensures that we keep saving lives, feeding the world and strengthening our communities.