UC Berkeley’s flagship institute for social science research

Our purpose is captured in our name: we provide an organizational framework—a “matrix”—that supports cross-disciplinary research pursued by social scientists across the University of California, Berkeley campus and beyond.

Special Event

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MATRIX-SPACE-REDUCED

Event Date: March 11th, 2026
4:00pm-5:30pm

Social Science Matrix – BESI Open House

Register to join us on March 11 at 4:00pm for the Matrix-BESI Open House. Co-organized by Social Science Matrix and the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative (BESI), this event is an opportunity to network with other members of the Berkeley social science community and learn more about our projects, events, and funding and research opportunities. Light bites and refreshments will be served. 

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Research Highlights

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Published December 9, 2014

A New World of Mapping

UC Berkeley cartographer Darin Jensen is exploring novel ways to detail information about the world around us.

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Research Highlights

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Published December 8, 2014

From Oil to Soil

Research by UC Berkeley geographer Adam Romero exposes how the toxic byproducts of petroleum have transformed agricultural production in California and around the world.

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Research Highlights

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Published December 7, 2014

Solving the Mysteries of Brain Waves

In laboratories across the UC Berkeley campus, researchers are unlocking some of the mysteries surrounding "neural rhythms," the pulses, bursts, and waves of electricity that continually surge through our brains.

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Research Highlights

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Published November 30, 2014

Flying Forward

Investing in airports and other transportation infrastructure is a major driver of economic growth, according to new research by a UC Berkeley economics graduate student.

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Research Highlights

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Published November 16, 2014

Economic Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change threatens certain U.S. regions and populations more than others, according to recent study led by UC Berkeley economist and professor of public policy, Solomon Hsiang.

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Research Highlights

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Published November 10, 2014

Taming the Dust Devils

In an effort to control air pollution, the Chinese government is offering incentives to Mongolian pastoralists to shift their source of income, according to research by a UC Berkeley doctoral student.

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