Update: Watch the 2021 “CCST Science in Public Service Award” Presentation

2021 CCST Leadership Awardees. Science in Public Service Award: Given to a public servant with a clear track record of championing science and technology issues and who values efforts to connect science to policy. 2021 recipients: Senator Robert Hertzberg, Assemblymember Chris Holden, and Former CEC Vice Chair Janea Scott.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. | February 2, 2021

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 CCST Science in Public Service Award.

The CCST Science in Public Service Award is given to public servants with clear track records of championing science and technology issues and who value efforts to connect science to policy. This year’s awardees, Senator Robert Hertzberg, Assemblymember Chris Holden, and former California Energy Commission Vice Chair Janea Scott, will be recognized for their career leadership on implementing science-informed solutions in California.

“The complex and interacting problems California faces today require solutions rooted in science and technology,” said Amber Mace, Executive Director of CCST. “CCST’s Science in Public Service Award highlights the California public servants who epitomize science-informed decision-making. Senator Hertzberg, Assemblymember Holden, and former Vice Chair Scott’s careers are shining examples of science in public service.”

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature, CCST engages leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers.

2021 Awardees:

Senator Robert Hertzberg

Senator Hertzberg has been a strong advocate for the use of science in public decision making and has continuously promoted policies to advance science and technology solutions in California. As Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the State Assembly, and throughout his career, he has been an ardent supporter of evidence-based policymaking to implement long-term solutions to California’s needs. Senator Hertzberg has also been a dedicated mentor and host to PhD scientists as CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. A champion for the program, Senator Hertzberg’s support enabled more Fellows and additional placements each year—creating more opportunities for scientists to make career transitions into public policy in California.

Assemblymember Chris Holden

Throughout his career, Assemblymember Holden has supported legislation that protects the environment and furthers California’s leadership in science and technology. As Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, he has worked to make California meet its energy demands while ensuring reliability, worked to integrate renewables, and continued to map a path toward carbon neutrality that is based on science. Assemblymember Holden has demonstrated dedication to the use of science in informing public policy decision making, mentoring and hosting PhD scientists as CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows on the committee and in the Legislative Black Caucus—opening the doors to their careers in public policy.

“The California Council on Science and Technology plays an important role in the decisions we make. When the stakes are so high on the biggest challenges we face, whether it’s climate change or public health, science informed policy is critical to achieving our necessary and ambitious goals. I’m honored to be recognized by the California Council on Science and Technology and grateful for the Science Fellows who have worked in my office.”

Former CEC Vice Chair Janea Scott

During the course of her career, former Vice Chair Scott has worked to advance science and technology in California and at the federal level. As a Commissioner and Vice Chair on the CEC, she consistently championed energy policies with a basis in science and has supported continued funding in research and development throughout the state. Her work on the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee and work in support of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program has led to many research advances in wildfires, microgrids, and clean transportation and energy.

Former Vice Chair Scott recently accepted a position in the Biden-Harris administration as Counselor to the Secretary at the Department of the Interior.

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About the California Council on Science and Technology
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature — making California’s policies stronger with science and technology since 1988. We 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.