Research Working Groups

Students in a conversation at CLAS

Working Groups bring together faculty and graduate students from various fields and departments with shared research interests.

Overview

CLACS sponsors several working groups comprised of UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students who gather regularly to discuss and share research on topics of mutual interest. CLACS provides funds and other support for group meetings, events, and other activities. Groups can be formed based on any given country, region, topic, or discipline related to Latin America, and have covered a wide range of subject matter. See past groups

Groups should meet regularly and plan a series of meetings and/or events. Meetings and events should be spread evenly between the fall and spring semesters. 

Funding Amount: Groups are awarded $500-$1500 for the academic year. Funds provide support for discussion groups, small conferences, guest lectures, library resources, conference travel, and other activities. Please note that due to our funder’s guidelines, funds cannot be used for food or drink, or international travel. 

Eligibility: Groups of UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty. New and returning groups may apply for funding. All groups must have a Faculty Advisor. 

Application & Review Process

To apply for funding, please submit a one page proposal that includes the following information:

  • Names and affiliations of organizing team
  • Description and mission of the group
  • Faculty advisor
  • Central scholarly question and intended outcomes for the working group
  • Description of proposed events (tentative dates of events in the fall and spring semesters, speakers, venues, etc.) Events should be spread evenly between the fall and spring semesters.
  • Proposed itemized budget (up to $1,500)
  • Mention other funding sources and uses for those funds

Submit applications as a PDF to clacs@berkeley.edu by April 15 2023.  Email subject should be "Working Group Grant Application."

Applications are due April 15, 2023. 

Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes the CLACS Chair and Faculty Affiliates from different academic departments. 

Working Group Procedures

Event organizers will sign an agreement that lays out the responsabilities of CLACS and of the organizers. CLACS can provide funding, publicity, and, occasionally, limited event production. CLACS will transfer funds to the organizer's home department, and the home department MSO must sign the the agreement along with the organizers. 

If you have questions, please contact Julia Byrd, julia.byrd@berkeley.edu