From the Nominator

UCSF Magazine brings biomedical discovery to life through stories people can understand and genuinely care about. Our primary audience is alumni and donors—many of them grateful patients—as well as faculty and friends of the university. As one of the nation’s leading institutions devoted exclusively to health sciences, University of California, San Francisco drives advances that influence patient care and public health worldwide. The magazine serves as a bridge between that work and the communities that support it.  Our goal is to deepen readers’ understanding of UCSF’s impact and strengthen their confidence in the institution. Through narrative journalism and visual storytelling, we show not only what was discovered but also how it changes treatment and lives. In the Summer and Winter 2025 issues, for example, we examined the hidden health effects of microplastics in the human body, explored how inherited Neanderthal DNA may shape modern disease risk, and reported on practical science—from preparing for healthy aging to strengthening brain health through music. We see the magazine's impact. Faculty tell us that coverage sparks new media inquiries and professional connections. Articles are shared at conferences and requested for reprint. Readers write with their appreciation. Increasingly, faculty approach us with ideas, reflecting the magazine’s growing role as a trusted platform. Our online readership continues to expand.

From the Judges

The publication was praised for its strong visual design, excellent photography and illustration work, and broad range of engaging stories. Judges appreciated the clean, polished layouts and the thoughtful variety throughout the publication, noting that it successfully balanced creativity with readability. The combination of compelling editorial content and high-quality art direction created a publication that felt both accessible and visually distinctive.