About IARU > IARU Member Universities > University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a leading public university known for its innovation, offering 170 academic programs and over 80 interdisciplinary research units across 14 colleges and schools.
Public leadership and global partnership
Founded in 1868, University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a premier public university that prides itself as a wellspring of innovation.
With its 170 academic departments and programs, and more than 80 inter-disciplinary research units divided into 14 colleges and schools, UC Berkeley provides a diverse and enriching environment for education and research.
As a participant in numerous IARU initiatives such as the Global Summer Program, Campus Sustainability and Sustainability Fellowships, UC Berkeley shares its philosophy of learning and innovation through its engagement with the Alliance.
Prof Rich Lyons
Professor Rich Lyons is UC Berkeley’s 12th chancellor and the first alumnus to hold the role. A former dean of the Haas School of Business, he is known for “culture leadership” and his commitment to accessible, high-quality public education.
Professor Rich Lyons became UC Berkeley’s 12th chancellor on 1 July 2024, the first undergraduate alumnus to hold the role. He earned his BS from Berkeley in 1982 and returned as faculty in 1993 after completing a PhD at MIT and teaching at Columbia. His research focuses on how information is reflected in price signals, especially in exchange rates, and his book helped define the field.
Lyons is known for “culture leadership,” emphasizing shared values and public education that is both accessible and excellent. As former dean of Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, he also led campus-wide innovation and entrepreneurship, helping Berkeley become a global leader in venture-funded startups.
A recipient of Berkeley’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Lyons values the transformative power of education and is a strong advocate for the student experience. He remains deeply engaged with alumni and is committed to advancing Berkeley’s mission and impact.
Prof Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
Vice Provost for Academic Planning
Lisa Alvarez-Cohen is the Fred and Claire Sauer Professor at UC Berkeley and former Chair of both her department and the Faculty Senate. She studies environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and water contaminants, and teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She co-authored Environmental Engineering Science and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Her honors include the China 1,000 Talents Award and the NSF Young Investigator Award.
Ashley Spinelli
Global Engagement Specialist, Global Engagement Office
Ashley Spinelli is the Director of UC Berkeley’s Global Engagement Office since 2022. She advises leadership on international partnerships and leads global collaboration efforts. Previously, she worked in study abroad programs, Fulbright exchanges, and education nonprofits. She holds an M.A. from Columbia and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota. Ashley has taught English abroad and supports climate-focused Nordic partnerships at Berkeley.
University of California, Berkeley’s involvement in IARU encompasses a broad spectrum of collaborative initiatives, including the:
IARU promotes collaboration through various working groups and joint initiatives
Key IARU roles
President
Prof Rich Lyons
IARU Senior Officer
Prof Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
lisaac@berkeley.edu
IARU Key Contact
Ashley Spinelli
aspinelli@berkeley.edu
