The School of Physical Sciences at UC Irvine is committed to providing an extraordinary opportunity for research and education in each of its four departments: Chemistry, Earth System Science, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. Our students and faculty are working to expand our knowledge of the universe by examining everything from the smallest particles to the vast expanses of the cosmos. They are applying complex mathematical theories to help in the fight against cancer; they are investigating the global environment as a whole in order to better understand and create solutions for issues such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion and worldwide air pollution.

Scientists in the School of Physical Sciences are developing techniques to understand the materials that form our bodies in order to create new molecules and medicines. We are creating new techniques and equipment to manipulate single atoms to understand their eerie quantum behavior and build new materials and circuits. We are developing new and commercially viable energy sources.

It is our priority to invest in our people. We strive to bring the best scientists, students and staff members to our school. As such, it is critical to establish laboratories that provide the most current technology and support the fostering of innovation and discovery.

As the state of California struggles with its budget, UC Irvine receives reduced support with a mere 16% of the University budget covered by California. In order to realize our vision it takes the creative and financial commitment of our alumni, community friends and industry. Gifts of all sizes and for all purposes allow our programs to grow and thrive. It is only through your support that we can continue to explore, invent and shape tomorrows world.

Current Funding Priorities Are:

Endowed Faculty Chairs: Each endowed chair supports one designated faculty position by providing a permanent source of income, which is used for such items as research, travel, graduate fellows, research staff, and equipment. An endowed chair encourages excellence in instruction and research. With a permanent source of income, the School can allocate the money to expand services and maintain a level of excellence for students.

Graduate and Undergraduate Support: Our school aggressively competes with other top institutions to recruit talented, hard-working undergraduate and graduate students. By helping to fund undergraduate and graduate student support, you provide outstanding recognition and financial assistance to these talented and deserving young people - particularly those students in need. Your support in this program helps us recruit the best and brightest, many of whom will be our future leaders in science.

Ongoing Funding Opportunities Include:

The Physical Science Innovation Fund: Provide our faculty with the seed capital to explore high-risk, high-reward ideas that would not otherwise be funded. These funds will assist in our efforts to build an environment promoting and encouraging innovation and creativity in our bright, talented faculty.

Discover the Physical Sciences Breakfast Lecture Series: This free-of-charge Breakfast Lecture series is an outreach program designed to create a broader awareness and understanding of the new and innovative research conducted at UC Irvines School of Physical Sciences. Its an opportunity for the community to meet our faculty in an informal setting.

Specific Research Area Support: Our faculty and researchers are constantly working on projects that have impact on the quality of our daily life and affect specific areas of interest. We need support for the various projects in the school.

For more information on supporting the School of Physical Sciences please contact our development office at 949-824-2985 or by email at breese@uci.edu.