On August 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the members of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (SEAB). The twelve member board comprised of scientists, business executives, academics and former government officials will serve as an independent advisory committee to Secretary Steven Chu, a CCST Senior Fellow.

The February meeting initiated a dialog on the changing context of innovation in S&T. Excellence in science and engineering is not enough to be a world leader - we need to be more creative, and look to radical innovations using social and cultural advantages as seen with Google, YouTube, eBay, and Yahoo. We also need new kinds of scientists and engineers with communications skills, multicultural understanding and foreign languages.

The May 2010 meeting was held jointly with the California Space Authority (CSA), CCST continued the dialogue initiated in February and discussed the game changers in California's S&T "innovation ecosystem." The S&T innovation infrastructure will encompass infrastructure, human capital, and investment. The event included a reception followed by a private screening of the movie "Hubble 3D" in the IMAX Theater Sacramento.

California's elementary school teachers feel much less confident in teaching science than reading or math, and there is both the need and the potential for significant improvement in elementary school teacher preparation, according to a new report by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST).

This white paper was presented to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) in January 2010, providing an overview of the nanotechnology industry, regulatory environment, and impact of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.

The first edition of the Cal TAC Update (March 2010) is now online! This twice-yearly publication will focus on Cal TAC events and newsworthy items related to teaching and education, with stories and articles contributed by Cal TAC members based on meetings and events they have attended.