Designing the future of flight at UC! Competitors built confidence, skills and networks — and brought home more than $15,000 in awards.
Research Thrusts
CITRIS signs MOU with VinUni to advance sustainable urban development
CITRIS and VinUniversity in Hanoi, Vietnam, will bring together leading experts in technology, data science and AI.
AIAA highlights wildfire-sensing drone project
CITRIS PI Zhaodan Kong is working to minimize the time between the spark of a wildfire and its detection and suppression.
UC Merced breakthrough could transform how California monitors toxic algal blooms
With CITRIS support, researchers demonstrated that satellite imaging can help protect public health by augmenting standard sampling methods.
UC Santa Cruz researchers create serious games to promote wildfire preparedness
Three CITRIS-affiliated investigators are building community resilience to wildfires by helping residents think through challenging scenarios.
As heard on NPR: Lessons from EcoBlock
As the five-year pilot comes to a close, principal investigator Therese Peffer predicts lower costs for future projects.
AI Policy Symposium showcases leading AI governance research
The event brought together policymakers, technologists and academics on next-generation strategies for creating responsible AI.
UC Berkeley team combats deepfakes with data-driven solution
A recent study led by Hany Farid demonstrates a need for better techniques to recognize increasingly undetectable voice cloning.
2025 Art Rosenfeld Award recipient advances energy efficiency
Aoyu Zou, winner of the 2025 Art Rosenfeld Award, will use the funds to improve energy sustainability in the built environment.
CITRIS leaders speak about responsible, sustainable tech
Camille Crittenden and Michele Barbato discuss ways in which AI can support sustainability solutions.
Policy Lab affiliates review state’s AI working report
The draft report, which includes recommendations for AI policymaking and regulation, is now open for public comment.
EcoBlock makes strides to decarbonize an Oakland neighborhood
The team adds a stormwater bioretention facility to their growing list of project accomplishments.
Finding a green storage solution in retired batteries
CITRIS Foundry alum RePurpose Energy puts half-used EV batteries to work storing energy from renewable sources.
CITRIS researchers combat methane emissions with drones
The project aims to improve the speed and accuracy of measuring methane to support government and industry mitigation efforts.
SafelyYou raises $43M in series C round
The startup, grown from a 2015 CITRIS Seed Award, has developed a platform that detects falls in real time and enables immediate response.
Nonnecke named to state privacy protection agency board
The founding director of the CITRIS Policy Lab was appointed as one of five members of the California Privacy Protection Agency Board.
CITRIS supports AgTech Alliance at UC Santa Cruz
The Alliance will support research, education and events to advance agricultural technology for a more sustainable future.
Policy Lab helps craft new standards on AI risks, ethics
CITRIS and the Banatao Institute’s Brandie Nonnecke had co-authored guidelines to help developers mitigate potential harms of large-scale AI systems, and to help organizations steer through the choppy waters of generative AI.
CITRIS Climate director discusses rebuilding after wildfire
Michele Barbato advocates using noncombustible construction materials to rebuild in the wake of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires.
CIDER to train 45 new drone pilots in spring 2025
The mission of CIDER’s Drone Pilot Training Program is to support diversity and inclusion in the industry, and to train pilots who prioritize safety, privacy and security.
Pacific Rim Conference on Healthcare Innovation highlights international collaboration
Experts from top academic and medical institutions worldwide gathered to discuss the future of robotic surgery, health data science and medical AI.
4 student teams progress to 2nd phase of CITRIS Aviation Prize competition
Building on last year’s competition, the 2024–25 challenge tasks teams to develop air operations simulation software for an intercampus air network.
Immergo Labs co-founders named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list
The 2021 CITRIS Foundry alum uses a mix of virtual reality and artificial intelligence to deliver remote physical rehabilitation.
CITRIS publishes 2024 annual report
As we celebrate the past year, we renew our commitment to serve as a catalyst and convener for the UC community.