Events

Description As the federal share of U.S. research funding continues to decline, state governments are taking on new roles supporting the applied research, commercialization, and workforce development that turn discoveries into industries. As a scientific leader and home to many technical sectors, California has a direct stake in the innovation ecosystem. This event presented  lessons […]

Description As California faces mounting threats from extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire, and sea-level rise, its natural capital—resources such as forests, wetlands, watersheds, and coastlines—play an essential role in the State’s climate resilience. This expert briefing explored the role of natural capital in policy, planning, and public investment decisions as infrastructure alongside traditional gray infrastructure. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

CCST Hosted First Public Dialogue on the Findings of the AI Frontiers Report with the Co-Leads, Announced Legislative Academy on AI Overview At the epicenter of global AI development, California’s leadership in governing frontier models will influence national and international standards. During this live conversation aboard the Historic Klamath in San Francisco, the co-leads of […]

Description As electrification rapidly expands across sectors, electric utilities face growing pressure to scale grid capacity to meet surging demand, particularly from electric vehicles (EVs), electrified buildings, and high-load data centers. This panel examines the specific challenges and opportunities facing California as it prepares its grid and infrastructure for this dramatic shift in electricity demand. […]

Description Recent disasters have prompted us to rethink how and where we build, and challenged policymakers to develop strategies to protect assets, minimize costs, reduce community displacement, and prevent future catastrophic losses. Moderated by Doug Parsons, host of the America Adapts podcast, the second briefing in our climate change and human mobility series explores how […]

Expert panelists shared insights on how AI technologies can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts through real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and targeted species protection. Discussions covered recent technological advancements, the challenges of implementing AI solutions, and their implications for policymakers in safeguarding ecosystems against climate change and environmental degradation. Some key points from the discussion: Nathaniel Roth: […]

Disasters’ compounding impacts – much of which can be attributed to global climate change – are accelerating risk exposure for all, starting with society’s most vulnerable, under-resourced communities and regions. Moderated by the creator and host of the America Adapts podcast, this kickoff event brings together experts across climate change science, economics, politics, and migration […]

CCST’s 8th annual Science & Technology Week (February 3-7, 2025) 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. We partnered with the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) Research & Innovation team for two panel […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service: Senator Ben Allen, Speaker Robert Rivas, and Secretary Amy Tong. The CCST Science in Public Service Award is given to public servants who have a clear track record of […]

Sacramento, California — On November 18-19, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) hosted leading experts across sectors for an intensive two-day workshop to shape the state’s hydrogen priorities, “Aligning California’s Hydrogen Research & Innovation Agenda.” This invitation-only gathering brought together diverse perspectives to brainstorm research needs across the hydrogen value chain – from […]

CCST and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) are thrilled to open virtual registration for Science Day 2024 Thursday October 17th. Virtual registration is free and includes two panel discussions with opportunities for Q&A. Register via Zoom to attend one or both panels virtually. Science Day brings together researchers and experts from across CCST’s partner […]

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) seeks graduate students, postdocs, and early-career faculty in California for the CCST Science Translators Showcase at the California State Capitol, held as part of our 2025 CCST Science & Technology Week. The chosen “Science Translators” will participate in a series of virtual policy and communication trainings from CCST […]

The California Council on Science and Technology is organizing an invite-only workshop to bring together leading experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of hydrogen research in California. On November 18 and 19 in Sacramento, participants will engage in dynamic working group sessions, interactive discussions, and collaborative problem-solving to identify and prioritize […]

The awardees were recognized at CCST’s S&T Week Reception and Leadership Awards Ceremony by members of CCST’s Board of Directors and other leaders from CCST’s Partner Institutions. SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) was proud to recognize the recipients of the 2024 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service: Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, […]

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) was excited to host the 2024 CCST Science Translators Showcase, held as part of our 2024 Science & Technology Week at the California State Capitol! During this networking event, the chosen Translators (graduate students and postdoctoral researchers) discussed their research with elected members, legislative staffers, agency managers, and senior policy […]