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A 3D scientific illustration of complex protein structures, featuring intertwined purple and red molecular chains and floating particles.

Chemistry and biochemistry professor Joan-Emma Shea collaborates on AI tools to study protein assembly

2026-06-30

Chemistry and biochemistry professor Joan-Emma Shea collaborated on AI models that predict protein assemblies associated with neurodegenerative disease.

Paul Atzberger smiling and holding a gray, 3D-printed geometric object with multiple rounded protrusions.

Paul Atzberger’s geometric neural operators help AI analyze shape and structure

2026-06-25

UC Santa Barbara professor Paul Atzberger and graduate student Blaine Quackenbush are developing open-source geometric neural operators that help AI understand shapes, surfaces and structure.

Bright pink bacterial biofilm clusters rest on dark sediment beside a dime for scale.

Keck Foundation invests $1.2 million in six UC Santa Barbara research projects

2026-06-24

Three UCSB Science teams are among six UC Santa Barbara projects receiving $1.2 million in W. M. Keck Foundation bridge funding for climate science, cell biology, materials science, superconductors and gene regulation.

Sunlit coastal sand dunes dotted with green brush and vegetation, sloping down toward a calm blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Geography and marine science researchers map major losses of California coastal dunes

2026-06-22

Researchers led by UC Santa Barbara geography and marine science experts found that California has lost 60% of its coastal dune systems since 1850.

Chancellor Dennis Assanis, center, shaking hands with UC President James Milliken on stage at the inauguration ceremony. Nobel laureate David Gross stands to the left in academic regalia.

Nobel discovery, quantum science and biomedical innovation featured in chancellor’s inauguration events

2026-05-28

Science faculty and Nobel laureates were among the voices highlighted during Chancellor Dennis Assanis’ inauguration events, underscoring strengths in discovery-driven research, experimental science and public-impact innovation.

A dense optical table setup in David Weld's physics laboratory, illuminated by glowing red and purple lights, featuring mirrors and lenses.

Physics professor David Weld selected for 2026 National Brown Investigator Award

2026-05-28

UC Santa Barbara physics professor David Weld has been selected for the 2026 National Brown Investigator Award, receiving up to $2 million over five years to advance curiosity-driven research in quantum science.

A UCSB mentor in a UCSB sweatshirt speaks with a student looking through a microscope.

At county science fair, UC Santa Barbara mentors help young researchers see what’s possible

2026-05-22

Local middle and high school students explored microscopy, virtual reality and bionic vision research through hands-on lab experiences with campus scientists.

Group photo of six members of the Psychological & Brain Sciences Student Affairs Team standing together in front of the Psychology building.

Psychological & Brain Sciences Student Affairs Team receives William J. Villa Award

2026-05-21

The Psychological & Brain Sciences Student Affairs Team received the William J. Villa Departmental Service to Students Award, recognizing exceptional service to students and support for their growth and success.

All News

Chemistry and biochemistry professor Joan-Emma Shea collaborates on AI tools to study protein assembly

Paul Atzberger’s geometric neural operators help AI analyze shape and structure

Keck Foundation invests $1.2 million in six UC Santa Barbara research projects

Geography and marine science researchers map major losses of California coastal dunes

Nobel discovery, quantum science and biomedical innovation featured in chancellor’s inauguration events

Physics professor David Weld selected for 2026 National Brown Investigator Award

At county science fair, UC Santa Barbara mentors help young researchers see what’s possible

Psychological & Brain Sciences Student Affairs Team receives William J. Villa Award

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