As one of the top 10 research universities in the nation, the University of California San Diego drives innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth, and make our world a better place. In early 2025, a series of Executive Orders jeopardized billions of dollars of federal research funding for universities. With a staggering $1.7 billion in funding at risk for UC San Diego alone, campus leaders immediately acted to address and mitigate potential implications. University Communications created the Behind Every Breakthrough campaign to raise awareness of the university’s research impact and to provide timely information to stakeholders.
From the Judges
This was a comprehensive, timely, collaborative, disciplined, and highly effective campaign that responded to research funding threats. It was the best of the research-funding advocacy submissions because it combined strong storytelling, government relations, clear messaging, measurable policy and stakeholder outcomes, and impressive return on investment. The campaign used existing resources well, and it can serve as a strong model for other institutions.
