The 700,000-square-foot property, located just 2 miles from the Westwood campus, will be repurposed to house advanced research centers and programs, making it a hub of interdisciplinary collaboration.

The acquisition of the former mall was made possible, in part, by a $500 million investment from the state of California, with $200 million of funding already allocated. This substantial investment exemplifies the commitment of the state government to drive scientific advancement and foster a thriving research ecosystem in Southern California and beyond.

Among the key research centers that will be established at the UCLA Research Park are the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA and the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering. These centers will bring together leading scholars, industry experts, startups, and government agencies to explore new areas of inquiry and accomplish breakthroughs in immunology, quantum science, and engineering.

The California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA will receive significant support from a group of influential founding donors, including Meyer Luskin, Dr. Gary Michelson, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Dr. Arie Belldegrun, Sean Parker, and Michael Milken. Their contributions, along with the state investment, will enable groundbreaking research to decode the mysteries of the human immune system and develop life-saving immunotherapies.

Furthermore, Google played a role in enabling and supporting UCLA's acquisition of the property, having previously leased part of the premises. The favorable real estate market conditions also contributed to this historic opportunity.

The revitalized UCLA Research Park will serve as a center of excellence in scientific research, technology development, and innovation. By bringing together leading experts from diverse disciplines, the research park aims to address pressing global challenges and drive economic growth in the region and beyond.

The property's location offers convenient accessibility through multiple public transportation lines, including the Westwood/Rancho Park Metro station, which directly connects to downtown Los Angeles. This accessibility will facilitate collaboration between scholars, industry partners, and the wider university community, making the research park an ideal destination for researchers, faculty members, staff, and students.

The acquisition of the former Westside Pavilion mall marks UCLA's third major property acquisition within the past 15 months, reflecting the university's commitment to expanding its resources and expertise. These strategic acquisitions not only deepen UCLA's connections to Los Angeles' communities but also position the university as a global leader in research and academia.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block expressed gratitude to California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature for their generous support, emphasizing that the acquisition will be transformative for UCLA, the city, and the world. With the establishment of the UCLA Research Park, the university is poised to unlock new frontiers of knowledge and drive innovation, cementing its position at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.

As UCLA continues to invest in expansion and development, it is clear that these acquisitions will strengthen the institution's positive impact and secure its role as a premier academic institution for years to come.