University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Quick Facts
“Fiat lux (Latin)”(Let there be light)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of California-San Francisco
UCSF: A global powerhouse dedicated solely to advancing health and life sciences worldwide.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) stands as a unique and influential institution within the prestigious University of California system, singularly dedicated to the health and life sciences. From its historic roots, UCSF has evolved into a global leader renowned for groundbreaking research, transformative education, and exceptional patient care. It’s where innovative minds converge to tackle the most pressing health challenges, fostering an environment of discovery and clinical excellence.
Tracing its origins back to Toland Medical College in 1864, UCSF’s journey has been one of continuous growth and increasing autonomy. After affiliating with the University of California in 1873 and incorporating the California College of Pharmacy and a dentistry school, it gained full administrative independence in 1964, solidifying its identity as a distinct health sciences campus. This rich history underscores a legacy of pioneering medical education and research that has shaped the landscape of healthcare in the West and beyond.
Today, UCSF is a formidable engine of scientific advancement, consistently ranking among the top institutions for research funding. In 2023, it secured the second-highest research funding from the National Institutes of Health, a testament to its vibrant research ecosystem. With state-of-the-art campuses in Parnassus Heights and the innovative Mission Bay district, UCSF offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring medical professionals, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists to learn from and contribute to the cutting edge of their fields. The university is not just an academic center; it's a critical hub in the San Francisco Bay Area's biotechnology industry, frequently spinning off new firms and fostering innovation that impacts lives globally.
Prospective students join a community committed to making a tangible difference in the world. With all four of its professional schools — Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry — consistently leading their respective fields in federal biomedical research funding and global rankings, UCSF provides an extraordinary platform for specialized, immersive learning. Here, you'll find a dynamic blend of rigorous academic instruction, unparalleled research opportunities, and extensive clinical experience, all geared towards shaping the next generation of health leaders and innovators.
Key Highlights
- ✦Exclusively dedicated to health science and life science within the UC system.
- ✦Received the 2nd highest research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023.
- ✦Spent $1.71 billion in research and development in 2021, ranking 2nd among U.S. higher education institutions.
- ✦A central pioneer in the San Francisco Bay Area's biotechnology industry, fostering numerous spin-off firms.
- ✦All four professional schools (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry) consistently rank #1 or top-tier nationally for federal biomedical research funding.
- ✦The UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay is a leading-edge integrated hospital complex for children, women, and cancer patients.
- ✦Endowment of $2.95 billion (2024), supported by significant philanthropic contributions, including a $500 million gift from the Helen Diller Foundation.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within University of California-San Francisco
School of Medicine
The oldest medical school in the Western United States, it consistently ranks among the top nationally, receiving the second-highest NIH research funds among all U.S. medical schools.
School of Nursing
Recognized as one of the premier nursing schools in the U.S., it has ranked first nationally in total NIH research funds for a decade and offers highly-rated specialty programs.
School of Pharmacy
The oldest pharmacy school in California and the western U.S., it has held the number one position for NIH funding for 39 consecutive years and ranks among the top programs nationally.
School of Dentistry
As the oldest dental school in the state, it has secured the #1 spot in NIH research funding for 25 consecutive years and is ranked among the top dental schools globally.
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