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Top UC Scientists Protest State Budget With Email

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SANTA CRUZ, Calif.- Hundreds of UC scientists aren't too happy with the latest round of proposed cuts in the state's budget that could produce an $800 million shortfall in the UC system.

An angry email with 300 signatures from senior scientists across the state has made it's way to the state capital. The letter originated from some professors at UCSC.

UCSC Physics Professor Stefano Profuno said he helped write the letter with some of his colleagues after voicing concerns for their own salaries that are threatened to be cut. 

"We don't have kids or a mortgage so we're probably some of the luckiest of the junior faculty here," said Profuno, who has a wife.

The email was drafted and sent out.

"It goes on for pages and pages because it has 300 signatures in it," said UCSC Astronomy Professor Sandra Faber.

Faber, a senior professor who signed the email, said it has made it's way to the desks of various legislators and media outlets. Faber said while these cuts affect all university services-- they are worried about the impact it would have on the science and technology in the state.

"It's this retention and hiring issue," said Faber. "Why would a person who is a world class scientist want to come work for a UC and make 20 percent less? What we're looking at is not being competitive anymore."

Profuno said students will lose out the most.

"Having these top people going out is a huge loss."

The email, which has more and more science professors signing it every day, said 85 percent of the state's biotech firms and 57 percent of the communications industry depend on holders of advanced degrees from UC's.