Over 200 people gathered at the UCSF Mission Bay campus on Saturday, February 28 for the 26th Annual Koret UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium, hosted by UCSF for the first time since 2005.

Launched in 2000, the University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) program trains California’s future leaders by preparing promising students for advanced education in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM). UC LEADS identifies undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in these disciplines, but who have experienced situations or conditions that have adversely impacted their advancement in their field of study. 

UC LEADS Scholars participate in a two-year program, including 2 years of scientific research at their home campus, an 8-10 week summer program and research at another UC campus, professional development, and graduate school preparation.

A highlight of each academic year, the Koret UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium is an opportunity for mentors and scholars from across the UC system to meet as an intellectual community. This year’s event drew 105 undergrad scholars, 30 UC LEADS staff members, and about 50 judges from across UC and industry. The symposium featured poster presentations by scholars, a panel with UC LEADS alumni, networking session with faculty, a keynote address, UCSF lab tours, and the opportunity to meet other members of the UC LEADS community.

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