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.
Congratulations to Karen Villegas, our 2023 David M. Howard Prize in American Politics! Click to learn more about Karen's impactful research studying issues of language, citizenship, and nation-building processes.
Click to learn more about the 2024 Charles H. Percy Undergraduate Grant for Public Affairs Research and apply!
Click to learn more about the 2024 Mike Synar Graduate Research Fellowship and apply!
Release #2023-25: Broad-based, bipartisan support for state government action to counter threats posed by disinformation in next year's election.
The event recording for "Closing the Wealth Gap: Removing Barriers Faced by Women of Color is now live on YouTube!
ICYMI: The video recording for Advancing Multiracial Democracy in California is now live on YouTube!