Dear UCSF Community,

I am writing to share that the UC Regents have approved the construction of the UCSF Bakar Ear & Hearing Institute at our Mission Bay campus, marking an important milestone for our campus and for the future of hearing health.

With this new institute, we will bring together researchers, clinicians, educators, and learners in a single, purpose-built environment dedicated to advancing care for disorders of the ear, hearing, and balance.

By uniting basic science, translational research, and clinical services, we will be able to pursue new therapies while delivering coordinated, patient-centered care.

We have thoughtfully designed this building with patients in mind. From communication systems that rely on visual, not auditory, cues to clinical spaces that support accessibility and comfort, the institute will tailor its care environment to the needs of individuals with hearing impairment.

This project builds on UCSF’s longstanding strengths in otolaryngology, audiology, and neuroscience, and it further enhances our ability to recruit leading experts and train the next generation of clinicians and scientists. It also strengthens Mission Bay as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, where proximity and shared purpose accelerate innovation.

I want to thank the many faculty, staff, and partners whose vision and dedication have brought us to this moment, particularly Charles Limb, MD, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping this initiative.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the institute opening later in the decade. We will continue to provide updates as this exciting project moves forward. You can read more about the institute in our web story.

Sincerely,
 

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor