Press Releases

Update: Applications for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Have Closed
A formal group photo in front of the California State Capitol, with the Fellows standing in 3 rows.
CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Placing PhD Scientists into Policy Careers Update (3/12/2024): The application for the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellowship has closed. Applications will reopen on December 1st for the next class year. SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is accepting applications for the CCST Science & Technology […]
GALLERY: S&T Week 2024 Reception and Leadership Awards
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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, […]
GALLERY: CCST’s California Science Translators Showcase Returned to S&T Week 2024
A photo of the translators grouped together in the Assembly gallery.
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 […]
Watch: Pathways for a More Smoke-Resilient California
A photo of the five panelists sitting at the dais of a Capitol hearing room.
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 […]
Watch: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient California
A collage of three images showing Secretary Tong, the panel, and Secretary Crowfoot speaking.
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, […]
Innovation and Strategy Executive Louis Stewart Appointed to CCST Board of Directors
A headshot of Louis Stewart in a business suit and tie.
Appointed as an Independent Director, Louis brings experience in the public and private sectors, innovation, business diversity, and technology SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Louis Stewart, an innovation and strategy executive with more than 19 years of experience in the private sector and 13 years serving in the public sector, has been appointed to the California Council on Science […]
Watch: All About the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
A graphic featuring a photo of the four panelists, the title of the webinar, a black and white photo of the California State Capitol, and CCST's logo.
  WATCH All About the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Informational Webinar and Live Q&A with Alumni Are you exploring career options where you can use your PhD to have a real world policy impact? Watch this webinar to learn more about the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, where PhD scientists, social scientists, […]
Introducing the 2024 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
A formal group photo in front of the California State Capitol, with the Fellows standing in 3 rows.
MEET THE NEW FELLOWS Introducing the 2024 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 2024 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. Now celebrating 15 years of Fellows, the program places PhD level scientists, […]
Bruce Darling (National Academy of Sciences) and Charles Harper (Jariet Technologies) Retire from CCST Board of Directors
Black and white profile headshots of Bruce and Charles side by side.
Bruce Darling and Charles Harper, MBA, are retiring from the Board of Directors of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), after each serving for more than two decades. Bruce Darling, who joined the CCST Board in 1997, served as Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council from […]
Highlights from CCST’s 35th Year + 2024 Preview
An aerial view of the California State Capitol toward Tower Bridge. By Leo on Unsplash.
In 2023, CCST celebrated 35 years of strengthening California policy with science. Along the way, we significantly grew our impact, achieved milestones years in the making, and embraced some big changes. This fall, after bidding farewell to our CEO and long-time champion Amber Mace, I stepped in as Interim CEO, and I’m more inspired than […]
Finance and Strategy Executive Jeffrey Scott Appointed to CCST Board of Directors
Headshot of Board member Jeff Scott in a blue button up shirt and wearing glasses.
Appointed as an Independent Director, Jeff brings experience in the government, private sector, consulting, and academia SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Jeffrey Scott, a finance and strategy executive with over 30 years of experience in government, the private sector, consulting, and academia, has been appointed to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Board of Directors as an […]
New Wildfire Smoke Study Finds That Improving Health of California’s Forests Benefits Human Health
A photo of smoke from the King Fire by the Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA.
New Wildfire Smoke Study Finds That Improving Health of California’s Forests Benefits Human Health Increasing Forest Management Can Reduce Impacts of Wildfire Smoke to Human Health and Health Sector Sacramento, Calif. | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 12, 2023 With health impacts from wildfire smoke estimated to be one of the largest costs of wildfires, […]
A Transition: CCST Looks Toward a New Chapter With the Departure of CEO Amber Mace
A portrait photo of Amber Mace in formal wear over a light blue background.
  “We are all stewards of this important and ongoing work.” As CEO Amber Mace looks toward a new professional chapter, she’s leaving CCST stronger than ever. After a decade of innovative and strategic leadership at the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), Amber Mace, PhD, is departing her position as CEO in late […]
CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Meets $30 Million Endowment Goal, Thanks to $10 Million from State Budget
A group photo of the 2023 CCST S&T Policy Fellows standing together in front of the California State Capitol steps dressed in business attire.
  CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Meets $30 Million Endowment Goal, Thanks to $10 Million from State Budget Historic State investment affirms value and impact of the CCST Fellowship, as the program enters its 15th year of delivering scientific expertise to policymakers   California just made a historic move to help ensure that science […]
Report: California’s NASA and DOE Labs Are Leading the Charge Toward a More Resilient and Sustainable Future
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: [email protected] SACRAMENTO, Calif.—A new impact report released by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) showcases the groundbreaking work of NASA field centers and Department of Energy national laboratories in California, featuring stories of how they are leveraging their world-class expertise and technologies to invest in California’s resilience to […]
Introducing the 2023 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
A group photo of the fellows with a blue overlay on the side and text describing the Fellowship with CCST's logo
SACRAMENTO, CA—We are excited to introduce the 2023 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. Now celebrating its 14th year, the program places PhD level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in Legislative and Executive Branch offices, training them for careers in public policy while helping to equip California’s decision makers with science-savvy staff. APPLY NOW: We are currently […]
CCST Workshop Envisions a More Holistic and Inclusive Public Health System Informed by COVID-19 Response
Zoom screenshot of Amber Mace, Harvey Fineberg, and Rohan Radhakrishna on a white background with CCST logo
  SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) hosted a workshop with leading public health experts on June 14th and 17th to identify opportunities to strengthen California’s public health system.  Participants were challenged with producing actionable, holistic, and equitable recommendations for policymakers. The workshop was part of the CCST Disaster Resilience Initiative COVID-19 […]
Dr. Ishwar K. Puri Appointed to CCST Board of Directors as USC Representative
A photo of Ishwar Puri in a suit and tie with sunglasses
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Dr. Ishwar K. Puri, Vice President of Research and Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at University of Southern California, has been appointed to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Board of Directors by University of California President Michael V. Drake, MD. “Today is a big day for CCST and for California,” […]
Berkeley Lab’s Carol Burns Appointed to CCST Board of Directors
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SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) Deputy Director for Research and Chief Research Officer Dr. Carol Burns has been appointed to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Board of Directors by University of California President Michael V. Drake, MD. “Participation on the California Council on Science and Technology is an important public […]
Introducing the 2022 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
Headshots of the 2022 Fellows in a grid on a blue background
  SACRAMENTO, CA—We are excited to introduce the 2022 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows. Now celebrating its 13th year, the program places PhD level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in Legislative and Executive Branch offices, training them for careers in public policy while helping to equip California’s decision makers with science-savvy staff. These sixteen PhD scientists […]
Report: California’s NASA and DOE Labs Provide Cutting-Edge Solutions Toward Climate, Disaster Resilience
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: [email protected] SACRAMENTO, Calif.—A new impact report released by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) showcases how NASA field centers and Department of Energy national laboratories in California are leveraging their world class technology and expertise to address climate change, sea level rise, wildfire, COVID-19, drought, and other […]