Research

Medical breakthroughs start with novel questions

Investigators researching virtual reality technology with a human subject

A COMMUNITY OF CURIOSITY

Sara Snow with her research poster at the GIM Department of Medicine Research Day

Sara Snow with her research poster at the GIM Department of Medicine Research Day

Bold Innovation in Medical Research
A scientific team in medical school reviewing documents together
Medical research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA redefines what is possible in patient care. Researchers elucidate biological processes and solve medical mysteries, expanding knowledge to heal humankind—one breakthrough at a time.

Here you will find a pioneering spirit. Our medical research center has access to top minds, unparalleled partnership opportunities, and state-of-the-art equipment. This is where high tech meets high touch, you are never alone on your scientific quest here.

$1.1 Billion
2023 Research Awards Including $525M from the NIH
#12
Most diverse medical school, U.S. News & World Report, 2024
36
National Academy of Medicine Members
20
National Academy of Sciences Members

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MEDICAL RESEARCH WITH A PIONEERING SPIRIT

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is one of the premier medical research centers and educational institutions in the nation. Our dedicated medical school faculty are committed to providing excellence in teaching our trainees pursuing careers in medicine and in the biomedical sciences. Scientists in the medical research center regularly make important new advances that benefit patients, worldwide, and society, in general.

An UCLA blue toned graphic of Paul Terasaki with various shapes and images, representing his 1964 breakthrough

Tissue Matching

1964: Paul Terasaki develops a tissue test that transforms organ transplantation.

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A UCLA yellow toned graphic with Owen Witte with shapes and other images, representing his 1983 breakthrough

Landmark leukemia drug

1983: Owen Witte pinpoints a genetic target crucial to the development of life-saving drugs.

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A teal toned graphic of David Eisenberg with shapes and various imagery, representing his 2005 breakthrough

Alzheimer’s research

2005: David Eisenberg’s model of amyloid fibers opens new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

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A yellow toned graphic of Donald Kohn with shapes and various imagery, representing his 2015 breakthrough

Successful gene therapy

2015: Donald Kohn cures “Bubble Baby” disease using gene therapy.

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Aerial shot of campus with many innovation hubs marked to show how close potential partnerships are. The phrase, 'innovation is a short walk away' is superimposed

Big discoveries begin on a collaborative campus

Our compact campus is home to leading experts in public health, engineering, computation, genetics, and other fields. Walk to a range of innovation hubs in less than 5 minutes. Collaborations and life-changing conversations are just a short walk away. 

To walk a few yards down the hall and talk to a collaborator who already knows how to do the technique you are interested in. That could save you years.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, Chief, Division of Rheumatology