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ARTS & SCIENCES NAMES 27 NEW GRADUATE FELLOWS
NEW RADIO TELESCOPE TO HELP UVA ASTRONOMERS STALK DARK MATTER IN DEEP SPACE
FOUR ARTS & SCIENCES FACULTY EARN PRESTIGIOUS GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIPS
UVA MATHEMATICIANS SURPASS AI IN BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY
A team of mathematicians, including a UVA Arts & Sciences faculty member, has solved a decade-old problem that even advanced artificial intelligence could not crack—underscoring the power of human insight in tackling complex challenges. Fueled by a culture of collaboration and supported by philanthropy, this work highlights how investments in faculty and research empower discovery, elevate graduate and undergraduate learning, and drive impact at the forefront of mathematical innovation.
Four Arts & Sciences professors have been named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, one of the nation’s highest honors for scholars and artists. Their groundbreaking research, supported by a culture of academic excellence and sustained by philanthropic investment in faculty and research, will advance new knowledge and shape conversations far beyond Grounds—demonstrating the power of private support to elevate scholarship, expand impact, and prepare future generations.
A newly installed radio telescope at UVA is opening powerful new pathways to uncover the mysteries of dark matter, one of the universe’s most elusive forces. Made possible through philanthropic support, this cutting-edge instrument gives graduate students and Arts & Sciences students the opportunity to engage directly in advanced research—driving discovery, deepening hands-on learning, and extending UVA’s impact in the global scientific community.
From the humanities to the sciences, 27 exceptional graduate students have been recognized with endowed fellowships, made possible by generous donors who believe deeply in the importance and impact of a strong graduate program.
Professor Jessica Connelly and senior scientist Allison Perkeybile received nearly $5 million in NIH grants to study how birth experiences shape maternal health and brain function. Their psychology department labs provide research opportunities for dozens of undergraduate and graduate students in Arts & Sciences to be part of groundbreaking work and enable the College to lead in discovery and innovation that improves lives.
A team of nine UVA students are heading to Paris to present a synthetic biology innovation that turns waste into clean fuel. Research opportunities like this reflect how philanthropic support results in life-changing experiences for A&S undergraduates and solutions for the broader world.
At an event co-sponsored by Arts & Sciences, tech journalist Karen Hao and Seth Lewis, incoming Professor of AI and Media Studies, discussed AI’s trajectory and its potential for exploitation. Dean Christa Acampora said AI could “save or destroy us,” emphasizing how it renews the liberal arts’ mission to foster empathy, discernment, and meaning. Donor generosity enables A&S to promote intellectual debate on leading edge topics and to attract star professors to the College.
PST celebrated its 50th anniversary with a symposium for alumni, faculty and current students made possible by philanthropic support. A recent significant gift alongside other generous donations have helped secure the future of PST and serve as a model for expanding interdisciplinary majors across Arts & Sciences.
Decades ago, passionate alumni helped form the Foundation to ensure the philanthropic support the needed by the College to flourish. Twenty-five years and a billion dollars later, the Foundation is still advancing the academic mission of Arts & Sciences thanks to generations of benevolent alumni, parents, and friends.
UVA opened its doors to students and held its very first “College” classes in 1825. Today, its academic mission is stronger than ever, thanks in part to donor support. To celebrate, Arts & Sciences is kicking off a year-long bicentennial celebration.
A formal Investiture Ceremony recently celebrated 16 faculty who were awarded prestigious named professorships. Philanthropic support makes these possible to recognize top professors for contributions to research, teaching, and the University community.
Backed by a $6M NIH grant, UVA scientists will lead a national effort using AI to develop new treatments for drug-resistant superbugs. In a time when some federal grants are uncertain, A&S uses College Fund dollars to bridge gaps in research funding.