Under the leadership of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCRO) led by Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Richard Allen (effective August 1, 2026) and Acting Vice Chancellor for Research & Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Lok Siu, the Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA) Program serves as the central UC Berkeley hub for administrative and policy guidance, advocacy, and resources tailored to our postdoc and visiting researcher community.
Established in 1994 as the first postdoc office in the University of California system and one of the earliest in the nation, the VSPA supports thousands of international and domestic scholars each year. We plan, direct, and evaluate dedicated professional development, training, and wellness initiatives designed to enhance the research experience and foster a vibrant, inclusive academic community at UC Berkeley.