2024 CITRIS Annual Report

Creating information technology solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for all

Letter from the directors

The mission of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS) is even more vital today than at our founding in 2001, with the rapid evolution and widespread impact of emerging technologies demanding thoughtful consideration of how they are deployed, how they affect the workforce and whom they serve.

As a multicampus organization within the University of California (UC), the world’s leading public university system, CITRIS has an unparalleled opportunity and obligation to harness advances in technology research for the greatest societal benefit.

We are excited to share with you the significant progress we have made in sparking discovery among students, faculty and researchers across our four campuses at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz.

As we celebrate the past year, we reflect on our achievements, rejoice in our collective successes and renew our commitment to serve as a catalyst and convener for the UC and its vibrant community, driving the future of innovation for California and beyond.

Thank you for supporting our efforts.

Alexandre Bayen Director, CITRIS and the Banatao Institute

Camille Crittenden Executive Director, CITRIS and the Banatao Institute

Four campuses, one mission

We harness the unique strengths of four UC campuses — at Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Cruz — to address the world’s greatest challenges and reshape the future of technology in ways that cross traditional boundaries.

Bringing together hundreds of faculty members and students to strengthen bridges between interdisciplinary research, state and national policymakers, international institutions, and companies and startups, we create new applications and transform entire industries.

Four UC campuses, one mission

We harness the unique research strengths of four UC campuses — at Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Cruz — to address the world’s most pressing challenges and reshape the future of technology in ways that cross traditional boundaries.

Bringing together hundreds of faculty members and students to strengthen bridges between interdisciplinary research, policymakers, international institutions, companies and startups, we create new applications and reshape entire industries.

Gavin Newsom smiling in front of California flag.

“CITRIS is the birthplace of innovation, where the future happens first.”

— Gavin Newsom, governor of California and former CITRIS advisory board member

Research initiatives

At CITRIS, we strive to enrich the human experience by tackling critical questions in information technology, including designing and harnessing the latest discoveries in aviation; building a more sustainable future through climate mitigation and adaptation efforts; enhancing digital health platforms and promoting healthy aging to improve outcomes and increase access; fostering responsible tech policy through research, education and outreach; and promoting diverse perspectives in the tech sector.

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CITRIS Aviation

View of downtown San Francisco with skyscrapers and bay.

CITRIS Climate

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CITRIS Health

Dome of California State Capitol building.

CITRIS Policy Lab

By the numbers

Just the facts: These key metrics attest to the impact of the wide-ranging CITRIS ecosystem.

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2,100+ students

have been empowered to launch innovative startups, explore ethical tech solutions and expand their career options.

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450+ faculty members

are engaged in research and outreach across UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz.

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$14.3 million

has been awarded to faculty and students to advance 263 interdisciplinary research projects tackling challenges in climate resilience, healthy aging, sustainable transportation and more.

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$60+ million in grants

has further developed proof-of-concept research fostered by the CITRIS Seed Funding Program.

1,400 events

have been hosted by CITRIS to promote scholarly discourse and encourage participation among our four campuses and the broader community.

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35,000 viewers

have subscribed to our YouTube channel, with over 6.3 million views of distinguished lectures, community stories and interviews.

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