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.
A new study co-authored by IGS Co-Director Cristina Mora found that Latinos, young people from 18 to 29 and moderate women in the Republican Party in California are more divided on Trump’s immigration policies.
Click here to read the latest findings from our late October 2025 IGS Poll
Apply by 11/30! Click for more info!
Watch "Democratizing Access: The Life Cycle of A Local Government Document in the LoCal Dig Project" on YOUTUBE!
Check out our list of career opportunities, internships, and tools for job preparedness!
Check the summer hours here