California Scientists and Policy Leaders Unite to Explore AI and Collaboration at Science Day 2024

Panelists sit on a stage in front of a screen projecting their images, names, and titles.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot kicks off the first panel at Science Day 2024. Photos: Scott Hummelsheim / CAL FIRE

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— On October 17th, CCST and the California Natural Resources Agency brought together leaders in science and policy from across CCST’s partner institutions, nonprofits, and the State for our second annual Science Day. With more than 350 registrants in-person and online, panelists and attendees shared exciting ideas to build partnerships addressing the many challenges facing California, particularly as we seek to decarbonize our economy in response to climate change.

Driven by the leadership of Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, this annual event fosters collaboration and removes barriers to partnership between research institutions and the State. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Secretary Crowfoot and CCST CEO Julianne McCall and featured two panel discussions, brainstorming breakout sessions, a Science Translators session, and a networking mixer.

Facing an ever-growing set of natural resource challenges, California has set ambitious goals to invest in climate resilience, protect its biodiversity, and ensure equitable access for all Californians to its natural resources. Watch the two panel discussions below with researchers from California’s many world-class educational and research institutions who are eager to leverage their expertise to complement the State’s efforts.

Download our high level takeaways from the Science Day Breakout Sessions, described below.

Did you attend Science Day? Help us shape next year’s event by taking our short survey.

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Panel 1: Lessons Learned from Successful State/Scientist Partnerships

Highlighting and Learning from Success

As California faces converging climate change-driven challenges, seeks to decarbonize its economy, and maintain its natural ecosystems, harnessing the talent throughout our state at all levels will be crucial to meeting our goals. This will require partnerships and shared resources throughout government, academia, nonprofits, the private sector, and more. Our kickoff panel highlighted successful partnerships between science-focused organizations and the California Natural Resources Agency that demonstrate how the State can integrate science into its decision-making processes. The discussion included a mix of scientists and policy leaders from CNRA and external organizations leading projects that focus on wildfire, water and drought, biodiversity, and energy. Panelists discussed the importance of developing collaborations and the challenges and benefits that come through partnering.

 

Science has never been more important. The partnerships that are growing in this room and across the state, are more critical than ever.

– Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot

 

Moderator: Secretary Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Agency. Panelists: Louise Conrad, Lead Scientist, Department of Water Resources; Meghan Hertel, Deputy Secretary, Biodiversity and Habitat, CA Natural Resources Agency; Jeanette Howard, Director of Science, Land Program, The Nature Conservancy, CA; Joshua Viers, Professor & Associate Vice Chancellor for Interdisciplinary Research and Strategic Initiatives, UC Merced

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Panel 2: California for the Next Generation: The Role of AI in Addressing our Natural Resources Challenges

Using AI to Solve Natural Resources Challenges

Recent years have seen rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, with the emergence of Generative AI models capturing the public’s interest. As this technology continues to develop at such a swift pace, tools that utilize AI are being developed for a wide variety of applications. This panel took a forward-looking approach to the role of AI in the Natural Resources space. The discussion explored topics including: What are current or emerging applications of AI in the Natural Resources spaces? How do we ensure that our data infrastructure is prepared to support the deployment of these tools? And how do we ensure that we are preparing our current and future workforce to adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape?

 

Traditional AI tools, such as those that rely on machine learning, have continued to develop at incredible rates, offering unprecedented capacity to take on and tackle large scale challenges.

– CCST CEO Julianne McCall

 

 

Moderator: Julianne McCall, CEO, California Council on Science & Technology. Panelists: Ilkay Altıntaş, Founder and Director, WIFIRE Lab at UC San Diego; Nathaniel Roth, Chief Science & Data Advisor, CA Department of Conservation; William Swartout Chief Science Officer, USC Institute for Creative Technologies & Co-Director, Center for Generative AI & Society, University of Southern California; Charuleka Varadharajan, Earth Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

 

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Breakout Sessions

Attendees participate in a breakout session.

Download our high level takeaways from the afternoon sessions.

Morning Networking Sessions

Attendees connected across the research ecosystem working in the same issue areas in these lightly facilitated speed networking sessions. Room leads provided structure and discussion prompts to facilitate new connections across the following topic areas:

  • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
    Topics included: Carbon sequestration, Renewable energy, Environmental justice
  • Environmental Impact and Ecosystem Changes
    Topics included: Biodiversity loss, Ocean acidification, Sea level rise
  • Extreme Weather and Climate Resilience
    Topics included: Extreme weather, Drought resilience, Wildfire resilience

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Attendees shared lessons learned from their own experiences and developed solutions to the challenges of creating lasting research partnerships between the State and other entities. Each breakout session focused on a different aspect of the mechanics of partnership, with facilitators walking the group through a collaborative brainstorming exercise.

  • Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Communication Barriers
    Facilitation Leads: Jessica Bolivar and Jason John, CCST
    In this session, participants examined communication barriers that hinder collaboration among academia, state agencies, federal labs, and policymakers. Common issues identified included siloed programs, sector-specific jargon, and a lack of mutual understanding of priorities and timelines. Solutions discussed focused on incentivizing communication efforts, enhancing outreach strategies, and fostering connections among stakeholders to build trust and improve data sharing. Here’s what we heard:

    • Lack of support and incentives for scientists to engage in communication and outreach can be addressed by integrating science communication into tenure evaluation packages and providing dedicated staff for outreach efforts.
    • Many interactions occur only at high levels, so encouraging staff-level communication and early engagement with policymakers is essential for fostering meaningful partnerships.
    • Effective matching of research and data to relevant audiences can be improved through enhanced awareness campaigns, centralized data clearinghouses, and tailored training for both researchers and policymakers.
  • Funding Strategies for Collaborations Between Scientists and State Agents/Policymakers
    Partner: California Ocean Science Trust. Facilitation Lead: Liz Whiteman, Executive Director, California Ocean Science Trust
    In this session, participants discussed innovative funding structures and partnerships, sharing experiences and exploring potential collaborations. Many highlighted successful models, such as the US Fish and Wildlife partnership with ranchers and the ARCHES hydrogen hub, illustrating how creative funding can foster environmental and community benefits. Participants emphasized the need for more inclusive management practices and collaborative efforts to enhance funding opportunities, while also considering the roles of non-profits, state agencies, and research institutions in these partnerships. Here’s what we heard:

    • Innovative partnerships, like the ARCHES hydrogen hub, can effectively mobilize resources and stakeholders, leveraging convening power to create new markets.
    • Nonprofits play a crucial role in advocating for legislation and forming partnerships that enhance funding possibilities and project sustainability.
    • There is a strong need for management to actively listen and integrate diverse ideas, fostering an environment where creative funding strategies can flourish.
  • Building Effective Collaborations and Advisory Roles
    Partners: CSU COAST and CSU WATER
    . Facilitation Leads: Krista Kamer, Director, CSU COAST and Steve Blumenshine, Director, CSU WATER
    In this session, participants explored the potential for scientists to engage in advisory roles within policy making organizations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between state agencies and academia. They discussed various opportunities, such as science advisory committees, fellowship programs, and successful collaborations that have influenced policy, like UC Davis’s social science initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for clear communication, relationship-building, and innovative incentives to encourage scientist involvement in policy development. Here’s what we heard:

    • Establishing advisory councils and fellowship programs can create pathways for scientists to influence policy while fostering collaboration between academia and state agencies.
    • Successful collaborations, such as those from California Sea Grant and UC Davis, demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating scientific expertise into policymaking processes.
    • Clear communication and relationship-building are crucial for breaking down barriers and enhancing engagement between scientists and policymakers, ensuring timely responses to state needs.

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CCST Science Translators Alumni return to share their research, engage with State experts

Reina Buenconsejo, PhD, Sandia National Labs; Paige Kouba, PhD, UC Santa Cruz; P.S.Nandini, UC Berkeley & UCSF; Tessa Putz, UC Davis; Samantha Vigil, UC Davis (not pictured)

Engaging Scientists in Science Communication

The CCST Science Translators Showcase trains graduate students and postdocs to communicate their scientific research to policy audiences. At Science Day 2024, we welcomed back four Translators alumni to share their research with attendees and contribute to the day’s events.

The returning Translators, listed below, participated in the 2024 Science Translators Showcase during CCST Science & Technology Week in February:

  • Reina Buenconsejo, PhD, Sandia National Labs, Postdoc
    Clearing the Air: Impact of Consumer Products on Air Quality
  • Paige Kouba, PhD, UC Santa Cruz, Postdoc
    Time Traveling Trees: The Future Face of California Forests
  • P.S.Nandini, UC Berkeley & UCSF, PhD Student
    A Pacemaker for Your Brain: Combat the Depression Drain
  • Tessa Putz, UC Davis, PhD Student
    Fighting Fire with Prescribed Fire
  • Samantha Vigil, UC Davis, PhD Student
    Swipe Smart, Live Well: Growing up in the Digital Age

Interested in developing your science communication skills? Apply to be a translator! Check here for the status of our application for the Feb. 2025 cohort.

 


Networking Mixer Showcases Innovative Work Happening in California’s Research Ecosystem

Logos of the 12 groups that tabled at Science Day in a grid of 3 columns and 4 rows.
Science Day attendees had an opportunity to learn about the programmatic efforts and research happening at these participating groups.

Attendees continued the conversations at a networking mixer, where CCST Partners and CNRA units staffed booths to share more information about their innovative work. Experts across the State and scientific research ecosystem forged new connections and fostered existing ones to further develop partnerships and opportunities.

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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.

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