The Latinx Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI)
Overview
The Latino Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI) is a UC Berkeley program that seeks to advance Latino social science research, training, mentorship, and community engagement. The Initiative is spearheaded by professors Cristina Mora, Michael Rodríguez-Muñiz, and Nicholas Vargas.
With support from the U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-12) and critical partnership from UnidosUS, the country’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, Berkeley faculty secured funding from the Department of Education to address the need for more social science research on the history and current conditions of Latino populations. Working with UC Berkeley scholars, students, and staff, the Latino Social Science Pipeline Initiative contributes to training and developing the next generation of social scientists, data analysts, policymakers, and public intellectuals focused on Latino communities. In addition, it uses academic research to shed light on U.S. and transnational Latino communities in efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions and advance racial justice.
Over the next two years, the LSSPI will pursue its agenda through several initiatives, including postdoctoral and predoctoral fellowships, small research grants, and community-university partnerships.
Fall 2026 Latinx Social Science Research Workshops Series: Upcoming Session
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 | 12:00-1:30p.m.
We cordially invite you to the upcoming Latinx Social Science Research Workshop, organized by the Latinx Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI) and sponsored by the Latinx and Democracy Cluster (LDC). The workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 6, from 12:00 to 1:30pm at the Latinx Research Center (2547 Channing Way). Light refreshments will be offered. If you wish to participate, please submit your RSVP.
During this workshop, presenters Bernardo Moreno Peniche and Miguel Samano will share their research progress. The assigned discussants will be Jed Rodriguez, Cristina Mora, and Bernadette Perez. We will share the research materials with participants who submit their RSVPs, so that they can provide feedback during the session.
The workshop series brings together graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to share and discuss ongoing research. Presenters circulate a paper, chapter, proposal, or job market draft in advance. They will receive constructive feedback from an assigned discussant as well as from an interdisciplinary community of scholars invested in Latinx social sciences. Participants come from various fields, including sociology, history, ethnic studies, English, geography, education, public health, social welfare, political science, jurisprudence, and social policy, among others.
Please share this invite with colleagues and peers who might be interested in participating in the workshop.
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