UCI Community & Government Relations

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UC Irvine’s Community and Government Relations serves as the central resource for campus relationships with elected officials and key community stakeholders in support of the University’s mission and priorities. The Office of Community and Government Relations, a department of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs serves as the central resource for campus and unit-based relationships with Or

ange County’s elected officials, as well as business, community and opinion leaders. The Community and Government Relations staff is dedicated to creating awareness, building relationships, and generating support for the University of California, Irvine and UC Irvine Medical Center. The Office of Community and Government Relations generates support by creating opportunities for UC Irvine friends to advocate on behalf of the University of California. Anteater Advocates assist us in engaging with our policy makers locally and in Sacramento and Washington, DC to ensure federal and state funding for higher education and to sustain UC’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.

09/01/2026

University of California, Irvine recently hosted the HireUC Alumni Career Summit, which brought together University of California alumni from all 10 UC campuses for a day of networking, career exploration and meaningful connections with employers.

The event hosted more than 75 employers, including staff from the offices of Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Steven Choi. This reflects the University of California’s commitment to supporting alumni career success, strengthening regional talent pipelines, and fostering connections between employers and one of the nation's most highly educated alumni populations.

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: A woman stands behind a booth with a tablecloth reading “University of California”, while talking to another person.

Slide 2: A woman talks to people from behind a booth from the office of Assemblymember Cottie-Petrie Norris.

Slide 3: A man sits at a booth from Senator Steven Choi, speaking to another person.

Slide: A room is packed with people engaging with different booths from various employers.

08/29/2026

University of California, Irvine researchers engineered lab-grown human brain tissue to take on characteristics of either the front or the back of the developing cerebral cortex.

The advance gives scientists a more realistic human model for studying how different areas of the brain emerge during early development.

In a study published today in Cell Stem Cell,the UC Irvine-led team created human neocortical organoids – small, three-dimensional tissues grown from human stem cells that copy important features of the developing cerebral cortex. Each organoid was steered to take on the identity of either a front or a back region.

The researchers say the approach could be used to examine how genetic and environmental factors affect different regions of the developing cortex and, over time, help scientists probe disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.

Read more at this link: https://news.uci.edu/2026/08/20/lab-grown-brain-models-gain-a-sense-of-place/

UC Irvine School of Medicine

Image description: Lead author Momoko Watanabe (left), UC Irvine assistant professor of anatomy and neurobiology and a faculty member of the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, with study co-author Yuan-Chen Tsai in a lab, with a computer.

08/27/2026

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 4th Annual State of the County Luncheon.

Keynote speakers Supervisor Don Wagner and OC Supervisor Katrina Foley provided an overview of the county’s current priorities and outlook, including regional fiscal health, housing, community investments, mobility, and local emergency preparedness.

Dr. Jon Gould, Dean of the UCI School of Social Ecology, also presented findings from the OC Poll, which surveyed 809 Orange County adults around an important question of whether the American Dream remains achievable in the county.

The discussion offered valuable insight into how Orange County residents view opportunity, affordability, and the future of our communities.

Thank you to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for hosting this insightful event and bringing our community together.

University of California, Irvine

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Dean Gould stands at the podium on stage speaking into a microphone, presenting his OC Poll.

Slide 2: Supervisor Katrina Foley sits and speaks on stage.

Slide 3: Five people smile for a photo, including UCI Health CEO Chad T. Lefteris, Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, and Newport Chamber CEO and President Steve Rosansky.

Slide 4: Dr. Michael Stamos, dean of the UC Irvine School of Medicine, engages in conversation with Irvine Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco.

Slide 5: Dr. Michael Stamos smiles for a photo with Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art Director Kathryn Kanjo.

08/25/2026

You Are Invited to The Morning Ballot Briefing on Friday, August 28!

OCTax and the South Orange County Economic Coalition invite you to join in on a Coffee Conversation about California’s 2026 Ballot Propositions with Swing Strategies CEO Tom Ross.

Learn more about the event and register today at this link: https://www.octax.org/events-1/the-morning-ballot-briefing?utm_campaign=629a417b-a434-4c12-bb19-3c36f03047c4&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=5336ef36-4f04-46d6-88b9-8a387a1bb7c2

Image Description:
Flyer for the Ballot Briefing event, with a heading that reads “OCTAX and SOCEC present The Morning Ballot Briefing” with a photo of Swing Strategies CEO Tom Ross.

08/20/2026

UC Irvine Chief Innovation Officer Errol Arkilic recently discussed Orange County’s legacy of innovation and how UC Irvine helps researchers turn discoveries into solutions, as well as what he is most excited for in the future.

"UC Irvine’s biggest contribution to economic development is probably the students and researchers who go off and build companies with the knowledge they’ve taken out of the labs,” says Errol Arkilic. UC Irvine’s students, faculty and researchers take their knowledge beyond the lab to launch companies and create new technologies. One example is Glaukos, a successful medical device company that developed an innovative treatment for glaucoma using intellectual property developed primarily at UC Irvine.

UC Irvine is also in partnership with the Orange County Business Council to strengthen economic development and help move more promising technologies from the lab into the market. OCBC has been an important partner in advancing this work and helping keep UC Irvine’s innovation pipeline moving.

University of California, Irvine

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Errol Arkilic smiles outside the UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation @ Cove building.

Slide 2: Errol Arkilic leads a tour of a lab. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

08/18/2026

The Irvine Company welcomed students from University of California, Irvine’s Future Leaders Initiative to the Spectrum Center for a day of learning, leadership and exploration.

The six-day program, hosted through the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, brings high school students together to explore the business side of STEM and gain a deeper understanding of leadership and career opportunities through lectures, guest speakers, excursions, and hands-on experiences.

During their visit to Regal Irvine Spectrum Center, students heard from Irvine Company leaders and participated in a Q&A. It was a great opportunity for students to connect with industry leaders, ask questions and learn more about the many possibilities ahead of them.

Thank you to the Irvine Company for partnering in this impactful opportunity for high school students. We’re proud to work with you in preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Photo Descriptions:
Slide 1: Students sit in theater seats as one student stands with a microphone asking a question.

Slide 2: Two people sit on stools in front of a theater speaking, with a monitor that reads “Strawberries to Spectrum”.

Slide 3: Students smile for a picture outside the Regal Theater at the Irvine Spectrum.

08/06/2026

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Girls Inc. of Orange County brought together 199 girls in grades 7–11 for the IgniteHER Girls Summit, an inspiring event designed to help participants discover their passions, build confidence and connect with resources that support their future success.

University of California, Irvine and UCI Health were proud to participate in the summit by hosting two engaging workshops led by. In “Exploring Healthcare Paths,” UCI Health Vice President of Operations Tara Kasmarek introduced students to the many career opportunities in healthcare, highlighting roles in logistics, clinical care and strategic operations. In “AI in Action,” women majoring in computer science who are developing an AI curriculum for teens at UC Irvine gave students an insider glance of AI work and they can begin to explore educational and career pathways into a growing field.

The IgniteHER Girls Summit empowered middle and high school students across Orange County with the knowledge, confidence and inspiration to pursue their passions and envision their future careers.

Image Descriptions:

Slide 1: A speaker stands at a podium on a theater stage while a large screen displays a "Thank You, Partners" slide featuring sponsor logos, including UC Irvine and UCI Health. Audience members are seated in front of the stage.

Slide 2: Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris smiles with five people.

Slide 3: A sign outside a workshop reads “Exploring Healthcare Paths - Presented by UCI Health.”

Slide 4: A sign outside a workshop reads “AI in Action - presented by UC Irvine.”

Slide 5: Assemblywoman Cottie Petire-Norris smiles outside with four people, including Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu.

Slide 6: An instructor leads a classroom of students wearing matching red shirts as they complete worksheets at tables.

Slide 7: A group of girls pose for a photo wearing red “Girls Inc.” T-shirts.

08/04/2026

A new study in “Science Advances” by University of California, Irvine researchers reveals that wildfires follow predictable patterns of destruction and that structural elements such as fences, siding and eaves contribute greatly to the risk of fires spreading.

In the paper, the researchers point to environmental elements such as low dew-point temperatures, trackable by instruments, that indicate elevated atmospheric dryness. Coupled with high wind speeds, this aridity can greatly amplify the probability of property destruction in a fire.

“As fire season stretches longer into the year and blazes devastate communities across California, the need for precise, actionable fire risk data has never been greater,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. “Good policy starts with good data. UC Irvine’s new fire risk map gives California exactly that – a clear picture of where the danger is greatest, so we can invest in smarter building practices, targeted fuel reduction, and data-driven planning before disaster strikes rather than after.”

Read more on the research through this link: https://news.uci.edu/2026/07/27/uc-irvine-researchers-create-california-wildfire-damage-risk-map/

Photo description: In 2020, a fire in the Angeles National Forest near Los Angeles came dangerously close to residences in the wildland-urban interface. Photo by Amir AghaKouchak / UC Irvine

08/01/2026

We are proud to celebrate the opening of the UCI Health — Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital, a significant milestone in expanding access to specialized inpatient rehabilitation for patients throughout Orange County and the surrounding region.

Developed through a joint venture partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation, the new 52-bed, 68,000-square-foot hospital is designed to help patients recovering from stroke, surgery, amputation, spinal cord and brain injuries, and other complex medical conditions achieve their highest level of recovery.

Our team of physicians, nurses, therapists, case managers, and rehabilitation specialists is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care that empowers patients to regain strength and restore independence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special occasion, including Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, Irvine Councilmember William Go, Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco, Councilmember Melinda Liu, staff from Councilmember Mike Carroll’s office, and staff from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ office, who presented a ceremonial resolution.

We are also grateful to our dedicated team members, community partners, and all those whose vision and collaboration made this hospital possible.

Image Descriptions:

Slide 1: Large group of people stand with blue sign reading “UCI Health - Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital”.

Slide 2: CEO of UCI Health, Chad T. Lefteris speaks in front of audience.

Slide 3: Group of people stand and smile with blue sign reading “UCI Health - Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital”.

Slide 4: 5 people stand behind blue UCI Health ribbon with large scissors.

Slide 5: Group of people smile and stand behind blue UCI Health ribbon with large scissors.

Slide 6: Group of people celebrate the cutting of the ribbon.

07/30/2026

Data shows that a UC degree pays off with higher earnings that grow over time, and UC graduates enter the workforce with greater financial flexibility due to no or low debt.

Right out of the gate, UC bachelor’s degree holders in California earn more than those who only complete high school. They also out-earn the median earnings for other bachelor’s degree holders in the state. UC alumni continue to out-earn those groups year over year, by bigger and bigger margins.

Visit this link to learn more about the UC financial advantage: https://bit.ly/4wPhTVe

University of California, Irvine University of California

Image descriptions:

Slide 1: UC Irvine students in graduation caps and gowns cheer and raise their hands, celebrating at a large indoor commencement ceremony at the Bren Events Center.

Slide 2: Graph showing "UC undergraduate alumni median earnings by age compared to California averages." The graph shows how UC alumni earn more than CA graduates and those with just a high school diploma.

Slide 3: Bar chart titled "Average undergraduate debt at graduation." Three vertical bars represent debt amounts for U.S. private, public and UC schools. The chart shows how UC in-state alumni graduate with the lowest average debt.

Address

515 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA
92617

Telephone

+19498240061

Website

https://linktr.ee/ucirvinecgr

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