Expert Briefings

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

California’s future is expected to be more smoky as wildland fires become more common. Beneficial wildland fires can improve forest health and reduce the risk of destructive fires, but exposure to fire smoke adversely impacts human health. This CCST Expert Briefing will explores opportunities to build more robust connections between forest management and public health […]

Serving as the kickoff event to CCST Science and Technology Week 2024, this “Blue Sky” panel brings together a diverse group of experts to explore the untapped potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to mitigate the impact of disasters, particularly in the context of California’s unique challenges and the escalating impacts of climate change. Together, […]

Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Brine Lithium is a key component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and is considered critical for the clean energy transition. Watch this CCST Expert Briefing, a follow up to our recent briefing on the Lithium Supply Chain, where the panel discusses the technology required to filter lithium out of geothermal brines, the […]

Lithium Supply Chains: Charging Our Future with Sustainable Sources The degree to which the U.S. lithium battery supply chain relies on foreign imports poses a threat to U.S. national and economic security. California’s efforts to support lithium extraction from geothermal facilities and attract other steps of this supply chain is one piece of a broader […]

Watch: The Human Health Benefits of Improving Forest Health in California Download the Full Report (PDF)  |  Download the One Pager (PDF)  |  View the Slide Deck (PDF) With health impacts from wildfire smoke estimated to be one of the largest costs of wildfires, a new study from CCST and Blue Forest shows that improving […]

Agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar panels on agricultural lands that results in the co-production of agricultural products and electricity. Globally, it is a growing area of research that has the potential to address challenges in the water-energy-food nexus. In the US, there has been a recent expansion of research into the compatibility of various […]

  Training Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Workforce The cybersecurity workforce is facing a shortage of trained professionals as we become more computer, data-driven, and network-based society. How can we prepare California’s workforce for the cybersecurity and IT labor market needs of the future? Join us for a CCST Expert Briefing as we discuss opportunities and challenges of […]

  What is the potential role for desalination in California’s water portfolio? Watch this CCST Expert Briefing, held during CCST S&T Week 2023, for a discussion on innovations in desalination research and opportunities to resolve challenges related to energy intensity and brine disposal. Featuring experts from the UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Irvine, Stanford University, and […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Cultivating Data Security Practices in Precision Agriculture To feed a growing population affordably and in a way that minimizes greenhouse gas production, the farming industry will need to rely on innovative technologies such as precision agriculture. Watch this Expert Briefing to broadly explore the benefits of precision agriculture and the […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research in partnership with the California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) hosted a series of 6 public roundtables to discuss California-specific information and knowledge gaps that will help inform the scope of climate change research conducted as part of California’s Fifth Climate […]