University of California, Berkeley
AC-10: Support for Research

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for students to work with faculty on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. One of the eight Areas of Interest is "Environmental Issues."

Several organizations and programs at UC Berkeley provide support and incentives for faculty applying for external sustainability research funding. The Berkeley Energy & Climate Institute (BECI) serves as the coordinating hub for energy and climate research throughout campus. Its initiatives include the California Institute for Energy and Environment, which conducts public-interest energy research and initiates, plans and implements energy research programs involving experts at the University of California, other universities, government, industry and nonprofit groups. BECI also works with CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, which leverages research conducted at four Northern California UC campuses to develop applications, platforms, companies and new industries. Until 2016, BECI also funded the Energy and Climate Research Innovation Seed Fund program, which sought proposals to advance UC Berkeley research in the renewable energy and energy efficiency domain. The fund included a special interest in multi-disciplinary projects that address current gaps in the scientific, technological and policy areas of Berkeley's renewable energy portfolio as well as projects to further define the frontiers of energy science and policy and have strong potential for scalability and implementation. Other UC Berkeley organizations that support sustainability research include the Energy and Resources Group (ERG), an interdisciplinary program that connects academia, government, industry and civil society in international sustainability research. ERG faculty work with graduate students across campus and with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on a range of energy and sustainability research. Finally, the Energy Institute at the Haas School of Business brings together research and curricular programs on energy business, policy and technology commercialization. In particular, the institute works with scientists to commercialize promising energy technologies.

UC Berkeley libraries offer a range of support for sustainability research and learning. The library system designates a subject specialist for faculty and students in each campus department and program. As liaisons to the department, the subject specialists: Provide information on library policies and procedures. Offer specialized reference consultations. Teach classes and individuals how to maximize use of library resources for research. Purchase library materials such as books, journals, and data sets. Specialists are available for areas such as natural resources, energy, environmental engineering and earth and planetary science. They also provide Research Subject Guides for a similar list of subject areas. In addition, there are a number of specific Course Guides, including for Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility.