A UCR School of Medicine delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Rally for Medical Research on September 18, 2025. The UCR delegation was part of more than 400 researchers and experts who visited congressional offices to advocate for sustained investment in medical research. 

The UCR SOM delegation was led by Meera Nair, PhD, associate dean of biomedical research, and Robert Rodriguez, MD, associate dean of clinical research. They were joined by members of the UCR Office of Government and Community Relations who helped navigate them through the meetings.

The group met with officials in the offices of Senator Alex Padilla and House Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Dave Min (CA-47), Mark Takano (CA-39), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

In addition to advocating for general research support, the delegation highlighted the importance of UCR School of Medicine research grants focused on chronic diseases affecting the Inland Empire and training grants to support future scientists.

Legislators and staff expressed bipartisan support for medical research funding and had a strong interest in UCR’s upcoming outpatient clinic in Riverside/Moreno Valley.

Following the Hill visits, Nair met with program officers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and presented the School of Medicine’s research portfolio.