SAN DIEGO ---- UCSD's Center on Pacific Economies has received a $500,000 gift from Joan and Irwin Jacobs, bringing its total grants from the philanthropists to $2 million.

Founded in 2006, the center researches the economies of Pacific Rim countries, looks for ways to encourage their development and encourages cooperation on common issues.

The center is based at the university's School of International Relations and Pacific Studies.

Irwin Jacobs is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Qualcomm Inc. He and his wife are major patrons of education, research and the arts in San Diego.