BERC, the Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative, connects, educates and motivates students, alumni, faculty and industry professionals to address the world's energy and resource challenges. Founded in 2006, BERC now serves over 1,000 members, representing 13 colleges and 29 departments across the University at both the graduate and undergraduate level.
We host conferences and events covering key topics within energy and resources, including the annual Energy Summit, Resources Symposium, monthly BERCshops and regular social gatherings.
We provide our members with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and current industry applications through programs such as the Innovation Expo and Berkeley Innovative Solutions consulting projects, to name just a few.
How To Join:
Joining BERC can be as small or as big of a commitment as you want. By clicking the “Join” button above, you’ll start receiving our weekly email, the Dispatch, which highlights events, opportunities and more. If you would like to join a specific community, you can reach out here!
BERC Programs:
One of BERC’s mostly popular programs is Berkeley Innovative Solutions (BIS) which match industry, government or non-profit consulting projects with teams of Berkeley students for a semester. BERC also supports SEED, which teaches elementary and high-school students about the science behind energy and resources.
BERC Partnerships:
We are fortunate to partner with several institutions on and off campus. At UC Berkeley, BERC works closely with both the Energy Institute at the Haas School of Business and the Cleantech to Market program at Haas. We are also deeply grateful for the support of several departments to help serve our members. Externally, we partner with some of the best companies around, which you can learn more about here
BERC-U:
Are you an undergraduate interested in energy and resources? BERC-U is our undergraduate branch, and you can learn more about events and opportunities for undergrads here!
BERC Communities:
If you are interested in a specific subset of what BERC is all about, check out our communities page to find out more. Communities are groups of students who are passionate about specific issues and meet to discuss and connect. Don’t see a group with your interests? Start a new community by reaching out here
BERC Leadership:
BERC runs on the passion and dedication of volunteer student leaders. Our 9 person executive team oversees a leadership team of almost 40 that works hard all year to bring you opportunities and events. Our Advisory Board, made up of professionals and academics from multiple fields within energy and resources, helps to guide and advise the student leadership team with their expert and invaluable perspective!