USC and UCLA Team Up to Tackle Major Challenges in LA

URGENT UPDATE: In a groundbreaking collaboration, USC and UCLA have united in a series of innovative projects aimed at addressing critical issues facing Los Angeles and beyond. This partnership, which spans medicine, technology, and social challenges, showcases how two fierce athletic rivals can work together for the greater good.

The collaboration includes significant achievements such as the world’s first human bladder transplant, performed by Inderbir Gill of USC and Nima Nassiri of UCLA in May 2025. This pioneering surgery combines kidney and bladder transplants, promising to revolutionize treatment for patients with severe bladder conditions. “The patient is now over six months out [of surgery] and continues to do very well,” Gill confirmed, emphasizing the enduring collaboration between both medical teams.

Another urgent initiative, PRECOG, seeks to combat the silent epidemic of depression through innovative cognitive science tools. This project, supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aims to develop automated screening tools for mental health issues, helping to prevent tragedies related to undiagnosed conditions. “It has been a tremendous fortune to work with UCLA colleagues all driven by the common goal of understanding the human condition,” stated Shri Narayanan, leading the USC initiative.

Following the devastating wildfires in January 2025, USC and UCLA launched Project Recovery, a comprehensive rebuilding plan engaging over 100 experts to strategize recovery efforts in affected regions. This initiative is crucial as it provides a roadmap for resilient and sustainable rebuilding in wildfire-impacted areas.

USC and UCLA are also addressing the urgent issue of homelessness, with the PATHS project, which has received $3.4 million in funding from the NIH. This research will use mobile phone surveys to track the health and housing needs of the approximately 47,000 unsheltered individuals in Los Angeles County, informing effective policy decisions to improve their outcomes.

Additionally, both universities are focusing on healthspan extension with the launch of the Los Angeles Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, backed by a $6.5 million grant. This center will explore aging research, aiming to enhance the quality of life for older adults across the region.

In an engaging cultural initiative, USC and UCLA recently hosted the annual E-Conquest video game tournament, showcasing not only their competitive spirit but also their collaborative efforts in the realm of digital humanities. The event featured teams from both universities competing in various esports titles, further solidifying their partnership beyond traditional athletics.

With these impactful collaborations, USC and UCLA demonstrate that while they may be rivals on the football field, they are allies in addressing pressing societal challenges. As both institutions continue to innovate and partner, the future looks promising for the communities they serve.

Stay tuned for more updates on these developing projects that exemplify the power of collaboration in tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our society today.