Programs
BCAD has several core programs to support research with impact and the next generation of scholars.
Support for Asking Big Questions
BCAD-affiliated faculty and students ask big questions that have a real impact on the future of American democracy. BCAD offers transformative grants for ambitious projects which would not be possible without BCAD’s support. In 2024, the Center partnered with Berkeley faculty and graduate students and our colleagues at Yale to undertake an unprecedented look at how voters decide in primary elections, helping understand the dynamics of rising political polarization and extremism. BCAD has also supported faculty affiliates to undertake ambitious projects such as digitizing over a century of death certificates to understand the history of crime and violence—projects only possible to undertake with BCAD’s support.
Public Impact
The Berkeley Center for American Democracy’s affiliated faculty make a profound public impact by addressing some of the most pressing issues facing American democracy today. Through rigorous, data-driven analysis, the Center’s scholars have shed light on topics such as electoral integrity, political polarization, crime and policing, economic and racial inequality, and the role of misinformation in shaping public opinion. Their findings have not only informed public discourse but have also influenced public policy, helping to guide lawmakers, educators, and community leaders in their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. By bridging the gap between scholarly research and practical solutions, the Center continues to play a vital role in fostering a more informed and resilient democratic society.
Predoctoral Fellowship Program
The Berkeley Center for American Democracy’s predoctoral fellowship program cultivates the next generation of scholars dedicated to advancing our understanding of American democracy. Every year, undergraduate students from across the nation and the world apply to serve as predoctoral fellows. BCAD predoctoral fellows participate in faculty and graduate student research and participate in department intellectual life. The program provides emerging researchers with invaluable mentorship, resources, and opportunities to engage deeply with critical issues such as political polarization, voting rights, and democratic governance. Fellows work closely with leading faculty members, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge research while contributing fresh perspectives and important support to ongoing projects.
Graduate Student Research
The Berkeley Center for American Democracy’s graduate student research program plays a crucial role in shaping the future of democratic scholarship by supporting the work of passionate and innovative young researchers. This program empowers graduate students to explore complex questions related to democratic theory, electoral behavior, and the impact of policy on civic life—and helps recruit the most promising future scholars to Berkeley. With access to the Center’s resources and expert faculty, graduate students are able to develop their research skills and produce work that contributes to both academic discourse and practical solutions for enhancing democracy. Graduate students can apply for support from the Center by following the instructions in the Fellowships and Awards page.
Events
The Berkeley Center for American Democracy’s events and conferences serve as dynamic platforms for dialogue and collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and the public. These gatherings bring together leading experts to discuss and debate critical issues facing American democracy, from electoral reform to the challenges of misinformation. By fostering open, interdisciplinary exchanges, the Center’s events not only advance scholarly understanding but also generate actionable insights that can be applied in real-world contexts. These conferences create opportunities for networking, learning, and the cross-pollination of ideas, ensuring that the study and practice of democracy remain robust and responsive to contemporary challenges.
