We invite UC Berkeley PhD students from select disciplines to apply to two training programs at the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS): Computational Research for Equity in the Legal System Training Program (CRELS) and Computational Social Science Training Program (CSS)
Get details below and submit your application here (deadline: April 5, 2026, 11:59 pm PT)!
CRELS and CSS Training Program Opportunities
The CRELS and CSS training programs are distinct efforts, funded by two separate training grants. However, we manage many activities as one cohort, maximizing trainees’ opportunities for collaboration and to learn from each other.
Computational Research for Equity in the Legal System Training Program (CRELS)
The NSF-funded CRELS training program supports students studying criminal legal systems, data science methods, and ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence and big data.
CRELS brings together students and faculty across social sciences, statistics, computer science, and professional schools to advance computational approaches to legal system research. A central goal of the program is to build a multidisciplinary research community at Berkeley and beyond that integrates a broad set of perspectives with data science tools.
Learn more about the CRELS Fellowship here, including Funding, Eligibility, and Program Goals & Design. For questions, email bids-crels@berkeley.edu.
Computational Social Science Training Program (CSS)
The NIH-funded CSS training program supports students studying health and the social determinants of health in the social and behavioral sciences.
The goal of CSSTP is to build a multidisciplinary community at Berkeley and beyond that integrates the intellectual frameworks and methods of their disciplines with data science tools to advance what we’re calling computational social science. The programs will create an intellectual community where all students can thrive and learn from one another.
Learn more about CSS here, including Funding, Application Requirements, and Program Goals & Design. For questions, email css-t32@berkeley.edu.
To stay in touch with BIDS and hear more about the CRELS & CSS training programs, please visit or follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the BIDS newsletter.