The Council of UC Faculty Associations is supporting a legislative initiative to increase funding for scientific research in California.
Scientists from institutions across the state are signing on to an open letter in support of this initiative.
Already over 500 UC faculty have signed!
California SB 895 would create the California Science and Health Research Bond Act to:
- Establish a new California Foundation for Science and Health Research to distribute grants and loans for research and facilities.
- Fund this foundation through a $23 billion voter-approved bond on the next statewide ballot.
- Require competitive peer review for all grants.
- Prioritize projects that replace lost federal support and keep work going.
Why Should UC Faculty Support the Bill?
SB 895 protects and expands research capacity in California and helps buffer it against federal attacks. When NIH/NSF dollars dry up or get delayed, this fund can step in and keep labs running. The grants are awarded based on peer review and scientific merit, and the governing body must have majority representation by scientists who have past or active research experience in the fields funded by the bill.
The bill supports the UC research ecosystem by explicitly including universities, research institutes, and labs in eligible funding. It will fund new facilities, equipment, and jobs for researchers and students. SB895 also includes annual audits and public reporting in the bill to ensure transparency.
In short: SB 895 gives UC faculty a dedicated, science-prioritized funding source that strengthens research in California, ensuring faculty retention and research funding stability.
Join Your Faculty Association
The UC Faculty Associations are voluntary membership organizations at each campus that represent UC faculty interests in employment matters and advocate for academic freedom, funding for scientific research and for public higher education. Our ability to mobilize faculty in support of campaigns like the California Science and Health Research Bond comes from your membership.