UC Berkeley achieved several milestones in 2025, including winning two Nobel Prizes and leading a Mars mission. The university’s faculty and students contributed to advancements in science, medicine, and social initiatives.
In October, John Clarke, emeritus professor of physics, received the Nobel Prize for work foundational to superconducting quantum bits used in quantum computers. The following day, Omar Yaghi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for creating reticular chemistry. “This recognition is really a testament to the power of the public school system in the U.S.,” Yaghi said after his win.
UC Berkeley continued its tradition of academic excellence by securing the top spot among public schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This marks the 16th time in two decades that Berkeley has led this evaluation. The university also ranked first globally in Pitchbook’s 2025 university rankings for producing venture-backed company founders and received high ratings from Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Times Higher Education. “The data here are independent confirmation that we’ve built something truly remarkable here at Berkeley,” Chancellor Rich Lyons stated.
A significant space initiative saw Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory launch twin satellites to Mars aboard a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket. These satellites will provide three-dimensional maps of Mars’ magnetic fields and upper atmosphere to help scientists understand how the planet lost its atmosphere and what conditions future visitors might face.
In athletics, Ron Rivera was hired as general manager of Cal’s football program in March. Rivera will focus on revenue generation and leadership for the team. Later in December, Tosh Lupoi was named Travers Family Head Football Coach. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Tosh and his family back home to Berkeley as our head football coach,” Rivera said.
Berkeley also played a role in shaping California’s quantum research policy when Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation at Campbell Hall establishing a statewide strategy for quantum technology development. Newsom visited campus labs during his visit: “It was amazing to walk in the labs downstairs and to see the world here at UC Berkeley,” he remarked.
A new book released this fall, Startup Campus by Mike Alvarez Cohen, explores how UC Berkeley developed into an entrepreneurship hub with input from faculty and alumni who helped foster its startup culture.
Efforts were made on campus to promote intellectual diversity through organizations like Heterodox Academy and other groups encouraging open debate among students. Nathan Tang, student co-chair of Heterodox Academy, commented: “Ultimately, I came to Berkeley to be intellectually challenged, inside and outside of the lab… We need to be willing to disagree with each other openly, but to do so civilly.”
Research breakthroughs included developing “olo,” a vivid blue-green color created by manipulating human photoreceptors using laser light—a technique that could influence eye disease treatment.
Language revitalization projects advanced as well; graduate student Tyler Lee-Wynant cataloged recordings featuring his great-great aunt as part of work at the California Language Archive: “It’s such a trove of information about … my family’s history,” Lee-Wynant shared.
Medical advances were marked by collaboration between UC Berkeley’s Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on a custom CRISPR gene therapy for an infant with a rare genetic disorder. IGI founder Jennifer Doudna described it as “a remarkable team effort.”
Journalism support continued through the California Local News Fellowship based at Berkeley’s School of Journalism. Since 2023, over 70 full-time reporters have been placed throughout California under this program addressing declines in local journalism employment.
Campus development included naming xučyun ruwway—the newest graduate residence—in an Indigenous language after consultation with local leaders; opening Grimes Engineering Center; progressing on CRISPR-focused laboratory facilities; advancing construction at People’s Park (to be named after Judith Heumann); and partnering with organizations for affordable housing there.
Research into ancient plants revealed differences between Egypt’s historical blue lotus water lily and modern products sold online—a finding highlighted by anthropology student Liam McEvoy: “I knew from the very beginning this was going to be my Berkeley thing.”
