Announcing the 2023 “CCST Science in Public Service Award” Recipients

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is proud to announce California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph and California State Senator John Laird as the recipients of the 2023 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service.

The CCST Science in Public Service Award is given to public servants who have clear track records of championing science and technology issues, and who value efforts to connect science to policy. This year’s awardees are being recognized for their career leadership on implementing science-informed solutions in California.

The awardees were recognized at CCST’s 35th Anniversary Reception by members of CCST’s Board of Directors and other leaders from CCST’s Partner Institutions, as part of CCST Science & Technology Week.

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature, CCST engages leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers. Follow #CCSTweek on Twitter for more events.

2023 Awardees:

Liane Randolph
Chair, California Air Resources Board

Throughout her career, Chair Randolph has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting policies that advance science and technology in the state — especially in her roles as a California Public Utilities Commissioner, her time at the California Natural Resources Agency, and now as Chair of the California Air Resources Board. Chair Randolph is tackling enormous challenges including updating the Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality, mitigating the air quality impacts of wildfires, and collaboratively developing new strategies to address air pollution in the most vulnerable communities. Through all her work, she continues to promote science-based policies surrounding climate change, energy, and disaster resilience.

Additionally, the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellows program relies on dedicated mentors and leaders like Chair Randolph. She has been an invaluable mentor to many CCST S&T Policy Fellows, whether they were placed in her office or not, who have continued to work in the science policy arena—including the many fellowship alumni who now work at CARB.

John Laird
California State Senator

During his career, Senator Laird has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting policies that advance science and technology in the state — from his time as a California Assemblymember, to his work as Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and now as a California Senator. Senator Laird’s dedication to strengthening California’s resilience and protecting vulnerable communities is demonstrated clearly in his work as Chair of the Senate Climate Workgroup and Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education. He has prioritized funding for climate change and research, and worked to promote science-based policy surrounding healthcare access, education, and natural resources.

Senator Laird has been an invaluable role model to many CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellows and has generously given his time to meet with them on multiple occasions.

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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.