UC Irvine School of Law and School of Physical Sciences Announce Scholarship Initiative
Rowland Hall at the UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences
IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2024) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law and the School of Physical Sciences have established a collaboration to offer UC Irvine physical sciences graduates access to scholarship funds at UC Irvine School of Law.
The scholarship program — which includes a $90,000 tuition scholarship over three years, available for both residents and nonresidents — is designed to advance UC Irvine’s dedication to providing meaningful pathways for students to pursue their academic interests. This collaboration seeks to provide talented UC Irvine physical sciences graduating students and alumni interested in the study of law — including intellectual property, law and technology, environmental law, health law, tax law, and other areas — the ability to obtain an affordable legal education at one of the nation’s top public law schools.
The new scholarship initiative underscores the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence and its belief that a physical sciences degree provides a robust foundation for a career in law. Both schools boast many faculty who excel in interdisciplinary work — from the Law School’s scholars on environmental justice, tax policy, intellectual property, and technology, to the School of Physical Sciences’ scholars on energy and the environment, personalized medicine, biomedical science, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, both schools emphasize experiential learning. UC Irvine School of Law offers hands-on education pertinent to physical sciences through its Environmental Law Clinic; Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic; and Center for Land, Environment, and Natural Resources. The School of Physical Sciences is a leader in integrated scientific education, spearheading law-adjacent centers including its CLIMATE Justice Initiative and Artificial Intelligence for Science Initiative.
Through this constellation of interdisciplinary program offerings, students can cultivate knowledge and skills preparing them for careers addressing pressing societal challenges at the intersection of law and physical sciences, such as artificial intelligence, digital privacy, healthcare reform, environmental policy, tax policy, and patent and trade secret protection and commercialization.
“UC Irvine School of Law’s exciting partnership with the School of Physical Sciences underscores the University’s reputation as a champion of interdisciplinary education,” said UC Irvine School of Law Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen Parrish. “The rigorous education provided to undergraduate students, who excel in the areas of chemistry, earth system science, environmental science, mathematics, and physics, helps those students develop the critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as the intellectual curiosity and ability to tackle complex concepts, that is fabulous preparation for a career in law. We look forward to welcoming talented physical sciences students who seek to bridge the gap between science and law.”
“Physical sciences majors graduate with the ability to tackle rigorous problems and possess the kind of critical thinking skills that are so valuable in the world,” said James Bullock, Dean of the UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. “This initiative exemplifies an important pathway for STEM majors to contribute meaningfully to society through the legal profession. I’m so pleased to partner with Dean Parrish in creating this pathway, which I think is indicative of the collaborative spirit that abounds on the UC Irvine campus.”
A leader in innovation and reinventing legal education, UC Irvine School of Law to date has announced 10 interdisciplinary partnership pathways designed to recruit talented students to the Law School. For more information about these programs, please contact:
Cristina Gapasin Tortal
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services
cgapasin@law.uci.edu
UC Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. Nearly half of all UC Irvine Law’s J.D. graduates are people of color, and almost a third are first-generation students. At UC Irvine Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UC Irvine Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UC Irvine Law.
UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences
The University of California, Irvine School of Physical Sciences delivers scientific breakthroughs that reshape our understanding of the physical world and provide solutions to the most profound problems of our age. The school does this by asking hard questions, by setting visionary goals, and by fostering interdisciplinary research. Our students are equipped with a premier education, a drive to unearth new knowledge, and the skills to lead the scientific revolutions of the future. Follow us on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and visit our website to learn more.