Integrity Statement
Commitment to Scientific Independence and Integrity
The California Council on Science and Technology is an independent, nonprofit organization, created by the State Legislature and Governor, that provides objective scientific analysis and recommendations to California’s policymakers. CCST’s advice is evidence-based, nonpolitical, and nonpartisan, and adheres to the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior.
To enable these standards, CCST ensures that:
- Syntheses and analyses are scientifically rigorous;
- Recommendations are evidence-based, drawing on the sciences, engineering, and medicine – including the social and economic sciences – and other areas of expertise;
- Conflict-of-interest policies ensure our work serves the public interest by avoiding both the appearance and reality of financial and other conflicts of interest, with unavoidable conflicts publicly disclosed along with the reasons for the conflict;
- Work is conducted transparently, with sources of funding for all our work disclosed in our resulting publications.
CCST does not advocate on behalf of its partner institutions, collaborators, supporters, or any other entities. Nor does CCST permit others to influence our work. By supporting CCST, our founding institutions and others demonstrate their commitment to CCST’s values.
Our policies on research independence and integrity, summarized below, expand on these values.
Funding Integrity and Sources
All funds accepted by CCST, regardless of their source, are subject to stringent conditions to ensure that these funds do not influence the scope, objectivity, study methods, study group membership, or placement of the CCST Science Fellows. Read more about CCST’s financial reporting and read our Gift Acceptance Policy.
Science Services
CCST provides an array of science and technology information, analysis, expertise, and advice to California policymakers. We work diligently to provide these services in a timely manner given the fast pace of public policy decision-making. To meet policymakers’ needs, our deliverables adhere to the highest scientific and technical standards and integrity. Our deliverables fall into two categories:
- In-Depth Technical Studies
- Rapid-Response Products and Services
In each instance, experts who contribute to CCST’s studies, products, and services must commit to our standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
1. In-Depth Technical Studies
CCST studies are modeled on the rigorous approach taken by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which is widely respected by scientists and policymakers throughout the world. The in-depth nature of these studies equips policymakers to make decisions with a foundation of deep analysis, information, and recommendations.
Our studies adhere to rigorous standards that ensure independence and accuracy. Once a project is funded, we seek Steering Committee members with the required expertise. The Program Committee of the CCST Board of Directors reviews and approves all Steering Committee members. We ensure the credibility of CCST studies by adhering to the highest scientific and technical standards, including independent peer review of the draft reports.
To ensure the integrity of our studies and maintain public confidence in them, CCST follows processes developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:
- Careful definition of the study;
- Selection of Steering Committee members and vetting of potential conflicts of interest;
- Methods for conducting Steering Committee meetings, information gathering, Committee deliberations, developing consensus within the Committee on the final report, and drafting the study’s findings and conclusions;
- Independent peer review of the draft report prior to its finalization, with independent monitoring of response to peer review.
Read more about the study process.
2. Rapid-Response Products and Services
When policymakers need advice more quickly than our in-depth studies permit, CCST delivers policy-relevant scientific information through rapid-response products and services. These products and services preserve independence and accuracy by drawing on our extensive network of accomplished scientific experts from universities, national laboratories, independent research institutions, government, and the private sector. Rapid-response products and services include:
- Briefings that convene experts from California and beyond to help Legislative and Executive Branch staff stay abreast of timely scientific issues;
- Workshops and workshop proceedings that convene leading experts to examine issues in depth;
- Summary documents (primers, white papers, one-pagers) that provide background on timely policy-relevant science and technology topics;
- Roundtables and standing committees that meet regularly and provide ongoing guidance on particular subjects.
Science and Technology Policy Fellowship
The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program is funded through generous support from the State of California and philanthropic donors. Funding supports CCST’s recruitment, selection, and placement process; fellowship stipends; and ongoing professional development for Fellows. Funders are prohibited from influencing the selection or placement of a Fellow. The funding for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows ensures that CCST can provide science and technology advice to State policymakers for years to come.
Code of Ethical Conduct for Fellows
Prior to accepting a fellowship position, Fellows agree to be an honest broker, to provide nonpartisan scientific information, and to exclude their own biases from their analyses and recommendations. Fellows must declare any real or perceived conflicts of interest or ethical issues, which could result in assignment to another project. For this reason, they are advised to notify their Placement Office Mentor and CCST immediately so that the conflict can be documented and resolved.
CCST Code of Conduct
Our code of conduct policy outlines the expected behavior and ethical standards for all employees, contractors, volunteers, and representatives of CCST. It is designed to promote a positive and respectful work and community environment, maintain the organization’s reputation, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
This Commitment to Scientific Independence and Integrity has been adopted and approved by the CCST Board of Directors. CCST retains the right to revise, replace, or supplement its policies. We continuously review our policies and procedures to ensure that we safeguard our independence. The posting of these policies is for information purposes only, and nothing in them creates any legal or contractual rights or duties. If you have questions, contact our Office of Communications.
