AI Science Residency Program

Advising California's Executive Branch on Frontier AI Safety

CCST placed California's first AI Science Advisors in the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Technology (CDT). These world-class technical experts support California’s executive branch in implementing recent legislation on frontier AI safety. They help state leaders apply rigorous scientific expertise to evaluate emerging AI risks, analyze safety incidents, support implementation of new AI safety laws and improve frontier AI risk management. AI Science Advisors are formally employed by CCST and placed in their respective agencies through a memorandum of understanding, ensuring an independent scientific perspective while enabling full integration within agency leadership teams.

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Professional group photo inside the California State Capitol dome.

CCST CEO Julianne McCall with CalOES AI Science Advisor Michael Chen (left) and CDT AI Science Advisor Justin Norman (right).

Frontier AI Expertise Supporting California's AI Governance

CCST's Science Residency Program brings senior-level scientific and technical experts into California state government. Drawing on 17 years of experience and 200+ PhD-level placements in the legislative and executive branch through our flagship CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, CCST modeled the residency program after the role of Science Advisor to the President via the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The AI Science Residency program is specifically focused on placing frontier AI expertise in the executive branch.

Julianne McCall, PhD

CCST CEO

"California is leading the nation on AI governance, in large part thanks to exceptional talent committed to AI safety and public service. As frontier AI development and governance rapidly evolve, good policy relies on a deep partnership between governance officials and cutting-edge technical expertise. This program connects California agencies with the top-tier AI talent they need to evaluate and advise on emerging risks, helping ensure technology serves the public good."

Henriette Canino in a gray business blazer.

Henriette Canino, PhD

CCST AI Science Residency Program Manager

"We are living through a pivotal moment in frontier AI development and governance. The capability frontier is shifting rapidly and the competition for technical talent is fierce. Discussing AI safety with some of the most brilliant minds in the field throughout our selection process is such a privilege. We are grateful that with our AI Science Residencies, we can provide California agencies with world-class AI talent to support them in shifting the AI governance frontier."

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