Research

The UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources is proud to be an integral part of the number one public research university in the world. From working on climate change-related issues to studying agriculture and energy policy, to understanding the metabolic causes of human disease, our research is focused on societal issues. 

While the College's many faculty, labs, and departments have a diverse array of specializations, core research priorites as defined in our strategic plan are: 

Advances in Biosciences, Food, and Health

Biological sciences and systems are generating critical advances in human health, resilient food systems, and the bioeconomy of the 21st century. We pursue foundational research in plant, microbial, and metabolic biology to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of living systems. We apply this knowledge to understand both the functioning of healthy systems and the causes of disease, focusing on microbial diseases of plants and humans, and human diseases related to nutrition and metabolism. We draw on insights from the social sciences to understand factors that shape the global food system, and seek innovative and equitable solutions that benefit human and ecosystem health.

Solutions to the Climate Crisis

The urgency and complexity of global climate change call for a just and sustainable transition to a resilient, clean-energy future. We are developing new technologies and nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration and management, as well as sustainable and efficient energy and transportation systems. We apply our expertise in economics and policy to help mitigate and adapt to the societal and environmental costs of climate change. We center environmental justice and climate equity, elevating the voices of and impacts on historically marginalized communities, and we partner with communities to seek equitable climate solutions. 

Stewardship of Natural Resources

The future of humanity and the natural world requires thoughtful and informed stewardship of our natural resources. We study terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems and their relationship to biodiversity and human well-being, offering new insights and best practices to promote sustainable ecosystems across California and around the world. We bring expertise in human-wildlife interactions, biodiversity conservation, land use, air and water quality, waste, pollution, soil health, forests, and wildfire. We draw on diverse perspectives to expand understanding of coupled human-natural systems and effectively address threats and challenges, promote active stewardship, and better link science and technology to society and sustainability.