UCSF Overview

At UC San Francisco, we are driven by the idea that when the best research, the best teaching and the best patient care converge, we can deliver breakthroughs that help heal the world.

Excellence is in our DNA. From genomics and immunology to specialty care for women and children, UCSF brings together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. Our hospitals and educational programs consistently rank among the best in the country, according to the latest surveys by U.S. News & World Report. 

We are the leading university dedicated exclusively to the health sciences.

Jeffrey Lotz (right), PhD, and graduate student Devante Horne examine vertebra using a material testing system at UCSF's Parnassus campus. Lotz studies musculoskeletal changes the spine undergoes in microgravity. Photo by Noah Berger

Disrupting the Status Quo for Good

UCSF is part of the 10-campus University of California, the world’s premier public research university system, and the only of its campuses dedicated to graduate and professional education. Driven by our public mission, we are a collection of dedicated scientists, clinicians, students and staff who strive to make the world a better place through our singular focus on health. Compassion is as critical as discovery in fulfilling our mission to make a difference for individual patients and whole populations.

Embracing a Sense of Urgency

In a field where lives often hang in a delicate balance, UCSF recognizes that time is of the essence – for patients in the hospital and for populations facing an epidemic. We harness the efficiency of multidisciplinary teams to accelerate scientific progress and speed the development of new therapies and cures. We are constantly pushing forward the policies and partnerships that ensure that people in need are getting access to the most cutting-edge care and treatment.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

UCSF is San Francisco’s second-largest employer, attracting talented faculty and staff who mirror the energy and dynamism of the Bay Area. Drawing from the creative spirit of artists and entrepreneurs, and the disruptiveness of the tech industry, our ability to recruit top talent leads to a constant influx of new ideas and approaches. The most exciting part of being at UCSF is its people, who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to create a vibrant community where we can redefine possible.