David E. Olson Among Finalists for the 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists

The Blavatnik Family Foundation and The New York Academy of Sciences today named 18 finalists for the 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists. The awards recognize scientific advances made by researchers in the United States across the following disciplines: life sciences, chemical sciences, and physical sciences & engineering.

College of Letters and Science Dean Atekwana Reappointed

Estella Atekwana has been reappointed to a second five-year term as dean of the College of Letters and Science following the completion of a comprehensive performance review. The committee charged with conducting the review offered its unanimous and enthusiastic endorsement of her reappointment.

August Media Mentions

Every day faculty and students from the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis are highlighted in the news media, having their research featured and commenting on the most pressing issues facing the world. Check out some of these news media highlights from August 2026.

A Letter From the UC Office of the President

Over the past several months, thousands of UC advocates have spoken up for California research. Together, we sent nearly 14,000 emails to lawmakers, rallied at the State Capitol, and helped make research a statewide priority. 

Capturing the Cosmos

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory recently launched its 10-year astronomical survey to create the most comprehensive, cinematic record of the universe. While thousands of people played a part in making the facility a reality, Tony Tyson played a formative role, acting initially as the facility’s founding director and now its chief scientist. We sat down with Tyson to discuss his background and the technology behind the Rubin Observatory’s revolutionary camera.

Beatriz Cortez Named 2026 Joan Mitchell Fellow

Beatriz Cortez, a multidisciplinary artist and professor of Chicana/o/x studies at UC Davis, has been named a 2026 Joan Mitchell Fellow, which includes $60,000 in direct, unrestricted funding distributed over five years alongside learning, peer engagement and network-building opportunities.

The Year in Books

L&S Magazine has been featuring books by authors from the College of Letters and Science for nearly two years. We’ve tried to organize the selections into relevant themes, addressing timely issues our society faces and celebrating the unique characteristics that make up humanity. These books remind us why we do what we do — not just in higher education but in the world at large. They challenge us, make us think, give us hope and inspire us.