From the Nominator

The Summer and Winter 2025 issues of UCSF Magazine were designed to engage the core audiences (alumni, donors, faculty, and staff) of the University of California, San Francisco. The issues showcased the university’s groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and social impact. Our goal was to produce visually compelling publications that elevate complex science storytelling while deepening connection with the UCSF community. We have recurring sections that provide structural continuity between issues and reinforce the UCSF brand through our use of typography and a disciplined grid system. This allows us to take creative risks with our covers and features. In Summer 2025, the cover story on microplastics and the paired artwork—a human figure sculpted entirely from salvaged plastic—featured bright, accessible graphics. The design juxtaposed playful color and composition with a sobering scientific subject, striking a careful balance between urgency and optimism. Across both issues, feature stories such as “Can We Train Our Brain to Unlearn Chronic Pain?” and “How HIV Changed Medicine Forever” integrate portrait photography with illustration to humanize scientific breakthroughs. The Winter 2025 cover story, “On the Origins of Disease,” exemplifies close collaboration between editorial and design teams: Layered infographics, original artwork, and thoughtful pacing guide readers through complex evolutionary science, making dense content digestible and engaging.

From the Judges

Judges found the use of photos and illustrations deft and impressive, creating a beautiful flow. The engaging layout demonstrates a high level of editorial and design thinking that draws the reader in. The magazine successfully delivers visually compelling, brand-aligned content that elevates complex science storytelling while strengthening connections within the community.