Dr. Alastair Iles

Associate Professor

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Biography

Alastair Iles is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management at the University of California, Berkeley. His research is situated at the intersection of environmental policy and societal change, incorporating insights from science and technology studies, environmental justice, and social learning. His interdisciplinary work explores major themes including greening chemicals, sustainable food systems, and sustainability transitions. Iles investigates the sustainability transformations in the chemical industry, focusing on the development of socially robust knowledge and participatory approaches within chemical regulatory systems. His current projects include studying biofuels and the potential of biobased chemicals, as well as the politics surrounding pesticide regulations and endocrine disruptors. Additionally, Iles has examined sustainable food consumption and production systems, emphasizing agroecological practices and food sovereignty among smallholder producers. As a founding co-faculty director of the Berkeley Food Institute, he leads research and educational initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture. Iles teaches various courses related to sustainability and environmental policy and is dedicated to fostering societal changes that prioritize ecological balance and social equity.

Research Interests

Courses

Politics Practice Sustainability Transitions Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates Sustainability Society Individual Research Directed Group Study in ESPM

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.