The Winston Ko Professorship in Science Leadership has been awarded to UC Davis Distinguished Professor of Chemistry R. David Britt, a leader in the field of bioinorganic spectroscopy.

Silicon Valley philanthropist and humanitarian Bita Daryabari has made a $1.5 million gift to UC Davis to broaden its Persian studies program. The gift will establish the Bita Daryabari Presidential Chair in Persian Language and Literature and help transform UC Davis into a leading force in teaching, research and outreach that advances global understanding of Persian language and culture.

History professor Charles “Chuck” Walker has been appointed to one of the UC system’s MacArthur Foundation Chairs. He’s been designated the holder of the MacArthur Foundation Endowed Chair in International Human Rights.