Events

Slug48—Student Film Competition, Screening, and Awards Ceremony
2026-04-24 01:00 - 2026-04-30 00:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
The third annual Slug48 returns with a 48-hour film competition—open to all UC Santa Cruz students. A 48-hour film is one that is written, shot, edited, and all music composed within a 48-hour time period. Teams and strategies for filming may be formed ahead of time, but nothing can be written, and no footage can be shot, until the clock is ticking. Slug48 was founded in 2024 thanks to the support and enthusiasm of UC Santa Cruz alumnus Kevin Nolting, former editor at Pixar Animation Studios, where he edited the Academy Award-winning films Up!; Inside Out; and Soul.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Competition Opens
Fri., April 24, 5:00 p.m. | UCSC Communications 139
– parameters assigned (a theme, a prop, a line of dialogue that must be in the film to ensure nothing was shot ahead of time)
– filming begins
– open to all UCSC students
– advanced registration recommended here; however students can sign up at the Competition Opens event
Competition Closes
Sun. April 26, 5:00 p.m.
– filming concludes
– submit the finished film
Film Screening & Awards Ceremony
Wed., April 29, event time to be announced | Kresge 3105
– films judged by a panel of celebrity judges, chaired by Kevin Nolting
– open admission for friends/family of the filmmakers and UCSC affiliates
Download and share the event flyer here.

Chancellor's Innovation Impact Awards
2026-05-07 16:00 - 20:30 | University Center, University Center, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join us for the Innovation Impact Awards program celebration, a festive event honoring some of UC Santa Cruz’s most innovative and creative individuals and communities.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
4 p.m.
UC Santa Cruz National Academy of Inventors Chapter From Campus to Commerce panel featuring a group of dynamic campus innovators and external commercialization partners bringing innovations to market
5:30 p.m.
Hor d’oeuvre reception followed by the awards presentation and celebration
UC Santa Cruz University Center
College Nine Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
REQUEST REGISTRATION

The awards recognize faculty, researchers, staff, students, and community partners for their valuable contributions to innovations and creative scholarship that have sparked transformative change and societal impact.
This year we will be recognizing and celebrating the following inspiring awardees:
Innovator of the Year
Mike Beck, director of the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, is advancing innovative nature-based solutions that protect coastlines and communities from climate-driven storms and flooding.
Translation of the Year
NeuroSWARM3, a groundbreaking neurophotonic technology developed in the Yanik Lab enables wireless, minimally invasive monitoring of brain activity at unprecedented scale and resolution.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard E. Green, professor of biomolecular engineering, has built a career defined by groundbreaking innovations in genomics and computational biology, and translating fundamental science into lasting societal impact.
Community Changemaker
Bud Colligan has used venture capital, philanthropy, and community partnerships to strengthen the economic vitality, health, and opportunity of the Monterey Bay and Central Coast regions.
The event will also bring together a dynamic and diverse group of people who contribute to an ecosystem and environment that spurs innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship at the university and within the community.
We hope to see you there!

Event supported by:
Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP
Santa Cruz Ventures
