CCST Announces Recipients of “2020 Science in Public Service” Awards, to be recognized at Science & Technology Week Reception

CCST Awards 2020 Bedsworth and HillCCST’s week-long series of events, this year celebrating ‘Science At Your Service: Achieving California’s Carbon Neutrality Goals,’ begins with a reception tonight honoring Science in Public Service Award recipients Dr. Louise Bedsworth and Senator Jerry Hill.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. | February 3, 2020

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature to serve state leaders, is proud to announce the recipients of its CCST Leadership Award for Science in Public Service.

This year’s awardees, Dr. Louise Bedsworth and Senator Jerry Hill, will be recognized during the CCST S&T Week 2020 Reception and Leadership Awards Ceremony, Monday, February 3, 2020, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Mix Downtown in Sacramento. The greater Capitol community is invited to attend; RSVP at www.ccst.us/STWeek. This event kicks off a week of events, listed below, hosted by CCST at the State Capitol.

2020 CCST Leadership Awardees — Science in Public Service Award:
Given to a public servant with a clear track record of championing science and technology issues and who values efforts to connect science to policy.

Dr. Louise Bedsworth, Executive Director, California Strategic Growth Council
Dr. Louise Bedsworth, Executive Director, California Strategic Growth Council. 2020 CCST Science in Public Service Award recipient.

Dr. Louise Bedsworth, Executive Director, California Strategic Growth Council: Throughout her career, Dr. Bedsworth’s leadership has advanced science-informed policies for California through work on a wide range of issues facing the state, including sustainable development, technological shifts in transportation, and the impacts of climate change on public health. As a scientist with a PhD in Energy and Resources from UC Berkeley with a demonstrated record of public service, her work creates crucial bridges between scientific and government stakeholders. Additionally, as Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council, her ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to tackle challenges facing the state serves as a model for all those working in science policy. 

California State Senator Jerry Hill, San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties.
California State Senator Jerry Hill, San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties. 2020 CCST Science in Public Service Award recipient.

California State Senator Jerry Hill: During his career, Senator Hill has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting policies that advance science and technology in the State. In particular, during his time in the State Legislature he worked to make scientific knowledge more accessible to the public and was the only member to co-author both of California’s laws guaranteeing free access to State- funded research articles. He has also fought to protect public health and safety as an outspoken leader for science-based policies that make California stronger. Additionally, the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program relies on dedicated mentors and leaders like Senator Hill. He has been an invaluable mentor to many CCST Science Fellows, whether placed in his office or not, who have all continued to work in the science-policy arena. His impact on their – and other CCST Science Fellows – careers is immeasurable.

“CCST’s Science in Public Service Award highlights California public servants who prioritize science-informed decision making when crafting state policy. Dr. Bedsworth and Senator Hill exemplify this commitment to science-informed policy,” said Amber Mace, Executive Director of CCST. “Their leadership is evident throughout their career, as is their commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders, including CCST’s own Science & Technology Policy Fellows and others eager to make change in public policy.”

Upcoming S&T Week Events:

Tuesday

Join CCST for a discussion with economist Judson Boomhower of UC San Diego, the lead author of CCST’s latest study on orphan wells in California, on Tuesday, February 4th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Capitol Room 113. Professor Boomhower will highlight the study’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Details and RSVP can be found at www.ccst.us/STWeek

Wednesday

CCST’s Science Translators Showcase will take place on Wednesday, February 5th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Governor’s Office, Council Room. This event is open to legislative and executive offices, as well as members of the Capitol community. Details and RSVP can be found at www.ccst.us/STWeek

Thursday

CCST’s Expert Briefing on Negative Emissions will take place on Feb. 6th from noon – 1:00 pm in Capitol Room 113. As California seeks to meet its goal of being carbon neutral by 2045, one potential solution is to increase the removal of carbon from the atmosphere to act as an offset. This briefing will take a broad look at the potential role of negative emissions in the State. Join CCST for an in-depth discussion with a team of experts on negative carbon emissions. Details and RSVP can be found at www.ccst.us/STWeek

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About the California Council on Science and Technology
CCST is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. We engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. Discover how CCST makes California’s policies stronger with science at www.ccst.us.

About the 2020 CCST Science & Technology Week
Celebrate science at your service! From February 3rd through 6th, CCST will host a series of Capitol community events showcasing how science helps inform policies impacting California’s economy, society, and environment. CCST was created by California state leaders to advise California state leaders — come learn what we can do for you. See event details and RSVP at www.ccst.us/STWeek.

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