Press Releases

Photo: Strawberry Field | Adobe Stock 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 Methyl Bromide and the MITC Generators. This is the fourth and final report released in a multi-part study requested by […]

New program embeds independent AI expertise directly within California state government to support evidence-based decision-making on frontier AI safety and risk management. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) announced the launch of its AI Science Residency Program, a new initiative that places highly qualified AI experts directly within California state […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) has published new convening proceedings, the third product in a multi-part study on fumigant pesticide use in California, commissioned by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The publication, Post-Harvest Commodity Fumigation in California: Roundtable Convening Proceedings, summarizes findings from an expert convening CCST […]

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 […]

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 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. […]

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 […]

The roundtable connects top government, university, industry, and philanthropy leaders at federal, state, and local levels. The California Council on Science and Technology has joined the National Academies’ Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable (GUIPRR, pronounced “gwipper”) as its first state-level partner. GUIPRR brings together the most senior representatives across sectors to identify shared challenges and ultimately improve […]

Reflecting on 15 Years Now in its 16th year, the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellowship has shaped the careers of 186 scientists—and counting—while strengthening California’s policies and serving as a model for other states. Now, as states are increasingly becoming laboratories for science policy, co-authors Bruce Alberts, Sarah Brady, Keleigh Friedrich, Amber Mace, and […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Responding to a request from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) completed the report “Fumigant Use in California and an Assessment of Available Alternatives: Phase I Report on 1,3-D and Chloropicrin.” DPR announced the release of the report today via a press release. […]

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 […]

MEET THE NEW FELLOWS Introducing the 2025 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows See where these talented PhD scientists will be spending their Fellowship year in California State Government. SACRAMENTO, CA—We are excited to introduce the 2025 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. Now in its 16th year, the program places PhD level scientists, engineers, […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Start your science policy career today, applications for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship are now open, due March 3rd. As Fellows, scientists, engineers, and social scientists spend one year in Sacramento working as staff in the State Assembly, State Senate, a State Agency, or Offices of the Governor. Fellows get […]

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 […]

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 […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Council on Science and Technology is excited to share a special opportunity to support California’s future in artificial intelligence (AI) policy, inspired by the generous series of annual gifts from Irwin Jacobs. In honor of Irwin Jacobs’ birthday on October 18, CCST announced the launch of the Irwin Jacobs & […]