CCST Newsroom

Update 6/4/2026: This position is no longer accepting applications. Position type: One position, limited-term, full-time from May 2026 to June 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and programmatic need. Salary range: We expect the salary range to be between $190,000 and $220,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience. The range can be […]

Update 6/4/2026: This position is no longer accepting applications. Position type: One position, limited-term, full-time from May 2026 to June 2027, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and programmatic need. Salary range: We expect the salary range to be between $190,000 and $220,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience. The range can be […]

After nearly 20 years of service with the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), including eight years serving as Board Chair, Dr. Peter Cowhey leaves behind an organization that has grown in reach, credibility, and impact across California’s science and technology policy landscape. A leader with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and U.S. trade […]

CCST’s 9th annual Science & Technology Week (March 2-6, 2026) brought together policy leaders, science and technology experts, CCST champions, and our incredible network of partner institutions to discuss some of the state’s biggest challenges and opportunities. The week began with our first-ever Partnership Forum for California leaders and ended with a panel discussion on […]

As we conclude our 9th annual CCST Science & Technology Week at the Capitol, during which policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and members of the public alike discussed how scientific evidence can inform policy, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) reaffirms a principle core to our mission: Science and technology for the public interest […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Darling, Dr. Harvey Fineberg, Dr. Glenn A. Fox, Dr. William Jeffrey, and Dr. William Tong to its Board of Directors. Darling, Fineberg, and Jeffrey join the Board as independent directors, while Fox represents the National Laboratories […]

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 […]

Overview The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is seeking nominations of organizations to participate in an upcoming AI Showcase focused on real-world applications of artificial intelligence. The showcase will take place on March 4th and will highlight practical, responsible, and impactful uses of AI across sectors and will help inform policymakers and government […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) completed the report “Fumigant Use in California and an Assessment of Available Alternatives – Phase II Report on Structural Fumigation with Sulfuryl Fluoride.” This is the second report released in a multi-part study requested by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to support the […]

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) announces that two members of its Board of Directors—Lisa A. Rossbacher and Pramod Khargonekar—have concluded their service. CCST extends its deep appreciation for their leadership, commitment, and exceptional contributions to advancing the organization’s mission of bringing sound science and technology advice to California policymakers. Lisa A. Rossbacher, […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As part of a new Science Residency Program to embed independent scientific expertise directly in California state government, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) announced that Dr. Andrew D. Jones began his residency as the first Science Advisor to the California Natural Resources Secretary. The placement is in partnership with […]

Overview We are excited to introduce the 2026 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. Now in its 17th year, the program places PhD-level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, and Offices of the Governor, training them for careers in public policy while helping to equip California’s decision makers […]

Overview The California Council on Science and Technology is seeking nominations for experts to guide the organization’s upcoming workstream in quantum technology and innovation. Areas of Expertise Sought CCST is seeking experts who can provide on-demand expertise and potentially serve on a steering committee to guide CCST programs that inform California’s statewide quantum strategy. In […]

Description The fourth briefing in our series on climate change and human mobility examined how communities and local governments in California are addressing the growing challenge of climate-induced human mobility and displacement. Our panelists shared best practices for building community resilience across sectors, including expanding healthcare access for communities, leveraging data systems to anticipate migration […]

Overview Start your science and technology policy career today, applications for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship are now open, due March 2nd. As Fellows, scientists, engineers, and social scientists spend one year in Sacramento, California, working as staff in the State Assembly, State Senate, a State Agency, or Offices of the Governor. Fellows […]

Andrew McIlroy, PhD, appointed Chair of the Board of Directors following eight years of leadership by Peter Cowhey, PhD SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) today announced that Dr. Andrew McIlroy has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors, effective March 2026, succeeding Dr. Peter Cowhey, who will step […]

Message from CCST’s CEO On September 29, we hosted our 3rd annual Science Day with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA). On behalf of CCST and CNRA, sincere thanks to the 400+ participants who joined us for Science Day 2025! This event is a shining example of what drives us, connecting state-level science and policy […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — CCST’s 2024/25 Annual Report highlights a year of progress in bridging science and policy to help strengthen California’s future. The past year underscored the importance of our mission. As California faced evolving challenges—from year-round wildfire threats to the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence—CCST provided trusted, nonpartisan scientific guidance to inform policy decisions. […]

Description In the face of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-accelerated extreme climate and weather events, communities are grappling with the decision to either stay in place and face heightened risk, or to relocate to safer areas. Watch our briefing on Climate Change and Human Mobility Across Borders will discuss how the movement of […]

Position type: Limited-term, full-time from November 2025 to December 2026, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and programmatic need. Salary range: $150,000 to $200,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience Location: California (hybrid) Application deadline: Sunday, August 31, 2025 Application link: Application Closed Application flyer (PDF): Download Overview Now more than ever, there […]

The program begins Fall 2025, preparing the foundation for a full-scale rollout in 2026 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), in partnership with Omidyar Network and with additional collaboration from the Kapor Foundation, today announced the launch of the CCST Legislative Academy on AI. This new educational initiative is designed […]