How many Nobel laureates are currently affiliated with UC Berkeley?
I'm working on my college list and really want to focus on research universities that are world-renowned, particularly with faculty who have won significant awards like the Nobel Prize.
Does anyone know the current number of Nobel laureates that are either teaching at UC Berkeley or have been affiliated with the school recently? I tried searching on their website, but it isn't super clear if they count retired faculty or only current professors. Just trying to get a sense for the overall academic achievement at Berkeley!
If you know about any specific professors or areas (like Chemistry or Physics), that'd be awesome to know, too. Appreciate any info.
Does anyone know the current number of Nobel laureates that are either teaching at UC Berkeley or have been affiliated with the school recently? I tried searching on their website, but it isn't super clear if they count retired faculty or only current professors. Just trying to get a sense for the overall academic achievement at Berkeley!
If you know about any specific professors or areas (like Chemistry or Physics), that'd be awesome to know, too. Appreciate any info.
1 month ago
•
247 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 1 month ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is widely recognized for the number of Nobel laureates connected to its community, especially in Chemistry, Physics, and Economics. As of early 2024, the university reports that 26 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to current faculty, researchers, or alumni for work conducted while at Berkeley.
When it comes to current faculty, the number tends to fluctuate as professors retire or move, but generally there are about 6 to 8 active Nobel laureates on Berkeley’s faculty at any given time. Some notable recent examples include Jennifer Doudna (Chemistry, 2020, for CRISPR gene-editing), Randy Schekman (Physiology/Medicine, 2013, for discoveries about cell transport), and Saul Perlmutter (Physics, 2011, for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe). Berkeley also has emeritus laureates such as George Akerlof (Economics, 2001).
For students in Chemistry, Physics, or Biology, Berkeley has an especially rich history. Its Chemistry department is legendary, with figures such as Glenn Seaborg (discoverer of multiple elements) and Melvin Calvin (discoverer of the Calvin Cycle). One of the charming quirks of campus life is that there are actually Nobel Laureate–reserved parking spots, because there are so many laureates on faculty.
Berkeley is also represented among Breakthrough Prize laureates, sometimes called the “Oscars of Science.” Faculty and alumni have been recognized for discoveries in physics, life sciences, and mathematics. Jennifer Doudna, for example, received both the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
In addition to scientific laureates, UC Berkeley attracts influential public figures and thought leaders. One well-known example is former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, who teaches at the Goldman School of Public Policy. He is a prolific writer and commentator on inequality, economics, and politics, and his presence on campus adds a dimension of real-world policy engagement that many students find inspiring.
So, while Berkeley is world-renowned for Nobel-level science, it also gives students the chance to learn from global leaders in economics, politics, and public service—all while enjoying the unique culture of a campus where Nobel Laureates literally have their own parking spots.
When it comes to current faculty, the number tends to fluctuate as professors retire or move, but generally there are about 6 to 8 active Nobel laureates on Berkeley’s faculty at any given time. Some notable recent examples include Jennifer Doudna (Chemistry, 2020, for CRISPR gene-editing), Randy Schekman (Physiology/Medicine, 2013, for discoveries about cell transport), and Saul Perlmutter (Physics, 2011, for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe). Berkeley also has emeritus laureates such as George Akerlof (Economics, 2001).
For students in Chemistry, Physics, or Biology, Berkeley has an especially rich history. Its Chemistry department is legendary, with figures such as Glenn Seaborg (discoverer of multiple elements) and Melvin Calvin (discoverer of the Calvin Cycle). One of the charming quirks of campus life is that there are actually Nobel Laureate–reserved parking spots, because there are so many laureates on faculty.
Berkeley is also represented among Breakthrough Prize laureates, sometimes called the “Oscars of Science.” Faculty and alumni have been recognized for discoveries in physics, life sciences, and mathematics. Jennifer Doudna, for example, received both the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
In addition to scientific laureates, UC Berkeley attracts influential public figures and thought leaders. One well-known example is former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, who teaches at the Goldman School of Public Policy. He is a prolific writer and commentator on inequality, economics, and politics, and his presence on campus adds a dimension of real-world policy engagement that many students find inspiring.
So, while Berkeley is world-renowned for Nobel-level science, it also gives students the chance to learn from global leaders in economics, politics, and public service—all while enjoying the unique culture of a campus where Nobel Laureates literally have their own parking spots.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years