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Announcing the 2026 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service
March 2, 2026 | CCST Newsroom, CCST Science & Technology Week, Events, Press Releases
SACRAMENTO, CA—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service. This year, we honor three distinguished leaders who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to evidence-based policy: Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Senator Jerry McNerney, and Director Dee Dee Myers.
The awards will be presented on Monday, March 2nd, during the CCST Science & Technology Week Reception at Camden Spit and Larder in Sacramento.
The CCST Science in Public Service Award is reserved for public servants with a clear track record of prioritizing science and technology issues and who actively value efforts to connect science to policy.
“The 2026 awardees represent the gold standard of science-informed leadership,” says CCST CEO Julianne McCall, PhD. “From protecting our natural resources to fostering the next generation of clean energy and quantum computing, these leaders ensure that California’s policy decisions are rooted in the best available data and expertise. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the health, economy, and future of our state.”
Assemblymember Gregg Hart
California State Assembly, 37th District
Assemblymember Gregg Hart is recognized for his thoughtful, science-informed leadership and his dedication to advancing policies that protect public health and strengthen environmental stewardship. Throughout his tenure in the California State Assembly, Assemblymember Hart has consistently elevated the role of scientific research in shaping policy related to climate resilience, coastal and marine protection, and the responsible oversight of energy infrastructure.
As a champion of forward-looking legislation to safeguard California’s natural resources and accelerate disaster recovery, Assemblymember Hart exemplifies a steadfast commitment to improving quality of life for current and future generations.
Senator Jerry McNerney
California State Senate, 5th District
Senator Jerry McNerney brings a unique combination of engineering expertise and visionary thinking to the California State Senate. A long-standing champion for clean energy and next-generation innovation, Senator McNerney has worked to harness emerging technologies to build a more resilient and economically vibrant future. His leadership fosters collaboration between government, industry, and the scientific community – reinforcing California’s role as a global hub for science-based solutions.
Senator McNerney has also extended his support to the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program, engaging directly with Fellows and affirming their commitment to public service. In a professional development seminar, he underscored both their opportunity and responsibility to help shape California’s policy landscape and confront complex scientific challenges.
Director Dee Dee Myers
Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom
Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
Director Dee Dee Myers is honored for her exceptional leadership in strengthening California’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. As Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), she has advanced targeted investments in artificial intelligence, clean technology, aerospace, and quantum innovation, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into economic growth and broad public benefit.
Under Director Myers’ leadership, GO-Biz has engaged with CCST on quantum computing and artificial intelligence, helping to connect frontier research with real-world policy and industry strategy. Through her commitment to cross-sector partnership and strategic investment, Director Myers helps position California as a global leader in next-generation innovation.
Honoring Science-Driven Leadership
CCST celebrates the outstanding contributions of Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Senator Jerry McNerney, and Director Dee Dee Myers to advancing science-informed public policy. Their leadership and commitment to evidence-based solutions continue to strengthen California’s ability to address complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and serve communities across the state.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s awardees for their extraordinary achievements in public service and their steadfast dedication to improving the lives of all Californians through science and technology.
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About the California Council on Science and Technology
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a trusted source of expert science and technology advice for California policymakers—powered by a world-class partner network. CCST was established via a unanimous vote of the California State Legislature in 1988 to make California’s policies stronger with science and technology.
About CCST Science & Technology Week
CCST Science & Technology Week celebrates the role of science in informing California’s policy landscape. Each year, the week brings together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the most pressing issues facing the Golden State.
