About CCST
The CCST Story
CCST is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988 to provide objective advice from California's scientists and research institutions on policy issues involving science. We respond to the Governor, the Legislature, and other state entities who request independent assessment of public policy issues affecting the State of California relating to science and technology.
In 1988, a coalition of policymakers and institutional leaders were seeking ways to catalyze the role of science and technology in California's future direction in research, industry, and policy. The effort resulted in Assembly Concurrent Resolution 162 - championed by then-Assemblymember Sam Farr and then-Senator John Garamendi - calling for the creation of CCST.
California has seen great advances and new challenges since then, and CCST has been invited as a voice of counsel at each turn. Over the past three decades, CCST has been asked to report on the state's R&D competitiveness, STEM education, energy production, and water future, among many other timely topics.
CCST itself has evolved as well: it added the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program to train more scientists for public policy careers, and it added the Federal Laboratory Affiliates to enhance its network of in-state experts - complementing CCST's sustained partnership with the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, Stanford, and Caltech.
California's leadership in technology, environmental stewardship, biomedicine, and other critical fields relies on its policymakers having access to clearly communicated, scientifically informed advice. With this need in mind, CCST will continue to engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers - ensuring that California policies are strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
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Our Mission
To engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
Our Vision for the Golden State
That California enhances its global leadership in science, technology, and innovation - guiding our State, our Nation, and our world towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.
Board of Directors
Chaired by Peter Cowhey, the CCST Board of Directors works alongside the CCST Council to implement our mission and programming.
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CCST Council
The Council is comprised of up to 30 California-based scientists, industry leaders, and scholars of the highest distinction.
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Our History
November 2018
CCST welcomes their 10th class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows.
September 2018
CCST celebrates their 30th anniversary with a reception at Science to Action Day ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit.
January 2018
CCST completes report for the Public Utilities Commission on Underground Natural Gas Storage in California.
February 16, 2017
CCST Awards Grants to Nine States to Explore Potential for Science Policy Fellowships; funding for the grants provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Simons Foundations beyond CA.
June 27, 2016
SB 826 (Budget Act of 2016) is signed by the Governor, directing the Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the Energy Commission, Air Resources Board, and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources within the Department of Conservation to request CCST to undertake a study on the long-term viability of natural gas storage facilities in California.
January 1, 2015
CCST delivers final report to the Natural Resources Agency on an Independent Scientific Assessment of Well Stimulation.
February 2014
CCST's first Science Fellow placed in the executive branch (Governor's Office of Emergency Services) as part of a pilot project in partnership with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
September 30, 2013
CCST celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a Board and Council meeting at the California Science Center, featuring dinner under the wings of the Endeavor Space Shuttle Board and Council meeting agenda.
September 27, 2013
CCST's 25th Anniversary recognized through Assembly Concurrent Resolution 75 (Bonilla).
September 20, 2013
SB 4 (Pavley) is signed by the Governor, directing the National Resources Agency to conduct an independent scientific study on well stimulation treatments.
November 2, 2009
The first class of CCST Science Fellows begins their policy training in Sacramento; funders include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Stephen Bechtel Fund/S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation; Kingfisher Foundation; The Heising-Simons Foundation; TOSA Foundation, and the Gen-Probe Fund.
October 2007
Partnered with the National Academies to hold the first national convocation on state-level science and technology policy.
February 2005
CCST invites NASA and U.S. Department of Energy laboratories and centers to form the CCST Federal Laboratory Affiliates, marking the first time that CCST expanded its network of supporting institutions since its inception in 1988.
February 2, 2005
First meeting of the California Teacher Advisory Council (CalTAC), formed with gifts from S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and Stuart Foundation.
2004
The National Academies and CCST enter into a memorandum of understanding agreeing to cooperate to their mutual benefit.
2003
The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (CCST Science Fellows) program is proposed, originally conceptualized as the California Science and Technology Experts in Residence (CASTER).
November 1999
CCST releases the final component of the twelve-part California Report on the Environment for Science and Technology (CREST). It culminates a multi-year effort and the first comprehensive assessment of the state's science and technology indicators, and offers recommendations for how industry leaders, academic administrators, and state policymakers can plan more effectively for a high-tech economy in the future.
September 1997
The CCST Senior Fellows program is launched with funding from the Hewlett Foundation, bestowing the title upon 54 California leaders in science and technology.
May 19, 1995
Susan Hackwood, Founding Dean of Engineering at UC Riverside, was appointed Executive Director of CCST by the University of California Board of Regents, appointment effective July 1st.
1989
The first meetings of the CCST Board and Council are held.
September 15, 1988
ACR 162 is filed in record with the Secretary of State, formally chartering CCST.
August 31, 1988
ACR 162 is read for a third time and presented by Senator Garamendi on August 31. Roll was called, and the resolution was adopted by the State Senate, 38-0.
August 26, 1988
The Assembly votes to adopt ACR 162.
June 30, 1988
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 162 (Assemblymembers Farr, Quackenbush, Eastin, and Duplissea; Senator Garamendi as coauthor) offered.
Our Programs
CCST is engaged with policymakers in a variety of programs. This involves non-partisan issue analysis and data translation, ensuring policymakers have access to clear and concise information on hand. In addition to this, CCST offers a Science Fellows program to further integrate our pool of knowledge within the state legislature.
CCST Science Fellows
The CCST Science Fellows program places ten science and technology PhD's in one year fellowships in the state legislature.
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Senior Fellows
CCST Senior Fellows are a group of distinguished scientists, technical experts, Noble Laureates, and entrepreneurs who serve as a resource to CCST.
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Our Partners
CCST is modeled after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - the official scholarly body serving the United States of America - to provide the State of California with a parallel network of institutional and individual advisors. Following this model, CCST operates in partnership with, as well as receives financial and mission support from, a network of public and private higher-education institutions and Federally funded research institutions:
Academic Partners
Federal Laboratory Partners
CCST operations are also made possible by the generous support of many philanthropic individuals and foundations through our annual giving and major gifts programs.
Our Mission
To engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
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