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NEWS in brief

Pioneers of spintronics

The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science is teaming up with leading nanoelectronics researchers across California to launch what will be one of the world’s largest joint research programs focusing on the pioneering new technology called “spintronics.” The Western Institute of Nanoelectronics, with starting grants of $18.2 million, will be headquartered at UCLA Engineering and led by Electrical Engineering Professor Kang Wang.  The institute will initially partner with three UC campuses — Los Angeles, Berkeley and Santa Barbara – as well as Stanford, and will draw on nearly 30 eminent researchers to explore critically needed innovations in semiconductor technology.

Rebuttal on compensation  

UC officials released Jan. 11 a detailed breakdown of the $871 million that the San Francisco Chronicle alleged UC distributed in 2004-05 in “bonuses, administrative stipends and other hidden compensation.” The newspaper story mischaracterized how the money was spent, UC administrators said. Compensation for senior managers, the focus of the Chronicle series, accounted for less than 1% ($7 million) of the $871 million. The largest portion of the funds, $600 million, was paid to doctors and clinical faculty for treating patients and to faculty for additional teaching and research done during the summer. See www.universityofcalifornia.edu/
news/compensation for details.

Budget news

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2006-07 state budget proposal released Jan. 10 would fulfill his compact with the UC and provide a second year of increased funding after four years of cuts. His plan provides state funds to “buy out” student fee increases and, when combined with other university revenue sources, fund an average 4% increase in employee compensation, subject to collective bargaining requirements. “This is a great example of what we can do when we work together,” Schwarzenegger told the regents meeting Jan. 18 in San Diego. “I want to continue this great partnership we have.” After thanking the governor for his cooperation, several regents tried to lobby the governor about funding K-12 academic preparation programs. The governor chose not to fund these programs as well as the labor research centers. UC President Robert C. Dynes said he will seek restoration of funding for both as the budget moves through the Legislature this year.

Top science stories of 2005

Three UCLA research projects were named among the top 100 science stories of the year by Discover magazine in its January issue. Laurence C. Smith, associate professor of geography, was the lead author of a report that concluded that global warming appears to be causing lakes to drain and disappear in Arctic regions. Rita Cantor, adjunct professor of human genetics, and her colleagues at the David Geffen School of Medicine identified the likely region of an autism gene on chromosome 17, providing the first genetic link to autism that did not involve another chromosomal disorder. And Physics Professor Seth Putterman and his UCLA colleagues achieved nuclear fusion using a simple device that fits on a lab bench.

In honor of a Bruin

The UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Campus Resource Center held a dedication ceremony on Jan. 20 to name its library after Rae Lee Siporin, former director of undergraduate admissions. The Rae Lee Siporin Library is the largest LGBT library of any university in the country and offers a place for research and casual reading to the 60-plus people who visit daily. Siporin, co-founder of the UCLA LGBT Faculty/Staff Network in 1989, retired from UCLA in 2001 and recently donated $75,000 to establish the Rae Lee Siporin Internship for graduate students who are committed to broadening services on campus to LGBT students. Go to www.lgbt.ucla.edu for details.