This fund is intended to advance the scholarship and performance of the UC Industrial Design Program, and of the discipline in general, with sustained support of promising research initiatives.

The fund was established in 2002 through an endowment by Mr. and Mrs. Gil Born, Professor Emeritus of Industrial Design. It recognizes how research anticipates change, stimulates innovation and develops leadership in the discipline. It is used to maintain research facilities; acquire equipment and software; provide staff assistance; recruit graduate students; promote essential industrial and intellectual relationships; and provide other needs as necessary.

The fund is not intended to pay for research itself but rather to establish effective research partnerships capable of generating their own growth based on success.