IGS was created a century ago to provide research expertise to the Legislature regarding public issues of the day. Our core mission remains promoting interdisciplinary research with a principal focus on American and California governance, politics, and policy. We bring together faculty members and students from across the Berkeley campus with an interdisciplinary focus not easily replicated by a single department
We are committed to establishing IGS as the place to go for informed analyses and discussions of the important policy and political challenges facing both California and the nation by amplifying the work and accomplishments of our esteemed students, faculty, and leaders.
Our mission is anchored by the belief in the transformational power of public service. IGS’s Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics & Public Service encompasses innovative student programming, internships, and experiential learning programs to provide opportunities and networks for outstanding students, nurturing a new and more diverse set of leaders for California and the nation.
The IGS Library is one of the nation’s major collections in public administration, public affairs, and public policy. The library holds more than 400,000 volumes and is a depository for California local government documents.
The latest IGS Poll Release (#2026-10) finds three candidates -- Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer -- separating themselves from the crowded field of candidates in the upcoming primary election for Governor
Normalizing Inequality tackles Californians' rationalizations of the state's wealth gap
We officially reached our one millionth page digitized in March 2026! Click to read more about all the documents archived!
Congratulations to our 2025-26 Matsui Center Student Ambassador, Lara Zangana! Click to read more about the award.
Click to read the latest IGS Poll Releases ahead of the June 2026 primary elections.
Check out our list of career opportunities, internships, and tools for job preparedness!
Check out our summer hours here