The Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) is an active research unit with recent and current projects ranging from electoral reform, national identity, immigration, California politics, trust in political institutions, municipal and regional governance, and U.S.-Canada relations. Scholars from political science, sociology, business administration, history, journalism, and public health are among the researchers affiliated with this multidisciplinary institute.
Over the last century, IGS has continuously extended and reshaped its research mission to keep on the cutting-edge in responding to new governmental and social concerns. Throughout this evolution, its founding focus on California has remained a significant element of programming. Through high-quality research on issues of political reform-- including campaign finance, redistricting, term limits and the initiative process-- IGS has provided service to the University of California and the state. The California Journal of Politics & Policy, published by IGS Press, is a more recent addition to the IGS research mission. It is the only scholarly journal devoted to California, publishing peer-reviewed research and commentary on state and local government, electoral politics and policy formation and implementation nationally and within this unique state.
IGS has a multifaceted approach to conducting and disseminating research. The Institute:
- Initiates and funds research by UC faculty and other experts.
- Trains undergraduate and graduate students and facilitates their research through fellowship programs.
- Sponsors seminars and conferences-- many of which are open to the public-- to bring together expert academics and practitioners to discuss elections, budgeting, national security, race relations, immigration and more.