From the UC Merced University News: 

Researchers at the university in your backyard are delving into issues of great importance to the San Joaquin Valley, the state, the nation and the world.

You can learn more about their work at the eighth annual UC Merced Research Week, from March 4 through 8, on campus and in downtown Merced.

Research at UC Merced encompasses cancer; diabetes; climate change; water, soil and air quality; water availability; nanotechnology and robotics; history; mapping; archaeology; human genes; and much, much more.

“Research is part of our everyday culture at UC Merced. It is one of the main reasons why we are here," Vice Chancellor for Research Sam Traina said. "Each year, we like to highlight and reflect on the amazing contributions that our faculty and students make toward the creation of new knowledge. We are extremely proud of their work.”

Come out for the kickoff event and breakfast on March 4 in the Bobcat Lair. Guest speakers include Traina, who will talk about why research is a cornerstone at UC Merced, and why what the faculty, staff and students are doing makes a difference.

Stay on campus for a symposium hosted by UC Merced’s premier research group, the Sierra Nevada Research Institute.
Some of UC Merced’s rock-star faculty researchers will explain their latest findings on issues like the Sierra snowpack – which supplies a large portion of California’s water; how to save California’s state parks and keep them accessible to the public; and the economics of electricity in California.

After the symposium, take a tour of UC Merced’s planned nature reserve and learn about the unique animals and plants on the nearly 6,500 acres of land adjacent to the campus.

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Check out the rest of the events listed by the University Times  or see the full 2013 Research Week Calendar.