March 20, 2026
Welcome to Cal Day at Berkeley Physics, 2026!
We invite you to browse through the resources below to find out what Berkeley Physics has to offer.
Learn about the Physics Major and Minor Program
Basic information about the Physics Major and Minor Program, planning, and requirements can be found HERE.
Student Organizations & Mentoring
Berkeley Physics has several student groups and support resources available to students, including an outstanding SPS (Society of Physics Students) chapter:
Student Organizations & Mentoring
Shadow Day in Physics
Do you want some actual data about life as a physics major? Curious if the reality of Berkeley Physics matches the theory? Join us for Physics Shadow Day! This unique opportunity allows newly admitted students to shadow current physics and astrophysics majors, sit in on lectures, engage with students, and experience a day in the life of a college student. This program is specifically designed for and restricted to incoming freshmen and transfer students admitted for Fall 2026, and is free of cost.
- Date: Friday, April 17 (the day before Cal Day)
- Pairing: Each incoming student will be matched with a current physics or astrophysics major who will guide them through their day.
- Food: Lunch will be provided!
- Spots are limited! This form is first-come, first-serve. The deadline to register is Monday , April 13.
Please register using the Google form: tinyurl.com/PhysicsShadowDay26, or using the QR code below.
This program is organized by the Society of Physics Students at Berkeley. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and share what makes our physics community special. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to outreach@sps.studentorg.berkeley.edu
Learn about Research
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to learn about faculty research twice a year at the Undergraduate Research Fair. View photos from this year's research fair HERE.
The Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (BPURS) hosts the BPURS Research Fair annually, giving students the opportunity to explore undergraduate research. View photos HERE.
The Physics Innovators Initiative (Pi2) Summer Scholars Program provides funding for a limited number of undergraduates over the summer to perform research, learn to design the tools that enable such research, develop their scientific independence, and realize their potential as physicists. Applications are reviewed early in the spring semester.
Hands-on Learning
The Student Machine Shop provides hands-on opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to learn how to safely operate the high-precision machinery and equipment needed to manufacture the complex components of their projects, apparatuses, and instrumentation. Check out a video of the Student Machine Shop.
The Paul L. Richards Physics Innovation Lab (PIL) (pictured below) is a brand new facility adjacent to the Student Machine shop that offers students up-to-date tools for automated processing and computer-aided design, 3D printers and laser cutters, and soldering and circuitry stations.
What is Basic Science?
Below left: Discover how basic science shapes our world—from music to the multiverse. Don’t miss UC Berkeley’s Basic Science Lights the Way Spring 2026 series.
2025 Nobel Prize in Physics: John Clarke
Below right: Enjoy a press-release video with Professor Emeritus John Clarke who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics with Michel Devoret and John Martinis.
Watch a video on Instagram about the 2025 Nobel Prizes at UC Berkeley and the importance of basic science for future discovery.
Quantum Science at Berkeley
Berkeley Physics, a leader in quantum science and a testbed for quantum computing, was recently visited by Governor Gavin Newsome.
Watch a video featuring Berkeley Physics Professor Irfan Siddiqi, Principle Investigator of the QuantumNanoelectronics Laboratory at Berkeley Physics.
4 new experimentalists have joined the Berkeley Physics faculty as assistant professors, focusing their research on quantum inormation science and technology.
The new Roger Herst Quantum Nexus will provide a single entry point for Californian scientists, students, industry representatives, and policymakers to access the quantum activity on UC Berkeley’s campus and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Learn More about Berkeley Physics
Download a copy of the latest issue of Berkeley Physics magazine
This issue features:
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Leading the Way for Quantum Research: Berkeley Physics guides diverse efforts in quantum information science
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Drawing a Bead on Dark Matter—Mystery Material of the Cosmos: Associate Professor Benjamin Safdi joins the hunt for dark matter, and the axion is one of his leading candidates
- Shining Lights Fellowship Program: New fellowship program promotes gender equity in science
- And more!
Get to know a few of our scientists!
Above left: Professor Shimon Kolkowitz explains atomic clocks in 101 seconds
Above right: Associate Professor Gabriel Orebi Gann presents a Physics Colloquium: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe with Neutrinos
Amidst misinformation, critical thinking needs a 21st century upgrade features a discussion with Professor Saul Perlmutter and fellow authors of the new book: Third Millennium Thinking: Creating sense in a world of nonsense.
Black holes, quantum mechanics, and the next great discovery features Professor Raphael Bousso who discusses the shift from classical physics to quantum mechanics, and where gravity fits in.
Celebrating diversity in physics:
These free, downloadable posters honoring influential Black physicists were created by recent Physics grad Ana Lyons