The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), a registered nonprofit organization, is the State of California’s ultimate resource for accurate, unbiased science and technology research and findings. CCST is modeled after the National Academies to be the non-partisan, independent science advisor to the state’s legislators, government officials and agencies.
Created in the 1980s by the state legislature, CCST now operates with 20 staff members and 15 fellows, early-career scientists and engineers who commit to one year of public service and training in science policy advising. Their work spans all fields of science, addressing everything from artificial intelligence and agricultural practices to renewable energies and the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
CCST’s primary client is the State of California — often legislators or executive branch officials — and the organization represents a network of world-class universities and research institutions, including the federal labs in California. “We’re the bridge between state government and the science and technology community,” explains CEO Julianne McCall, Ph.D. “Most information flows toward the state, but we also inform researchers about policy priorities. Researchers want to see their work have real-world impact and that usually happens through public policy.”
“As an honest and independent broker in the most pressing scientific topics, we draw out the best of California’s expertise and help provide science-grounded solutions.” — Julianne McCall, CEO
California is at the leading edge of scientific excellence and CCST provides a model for the nation and beyond. “This state has all the right ingredients, acting as a fantastic experimental hotbed that benefits from significant geographic, demographic and economic diversity,” says McCall. “As an honest and independent broker in the most pressing scientific topics, we draw out the best of California’s expertise and help provide science-grounded solutions.”
One of CCST’s current focus areas is supporting the State of California’s development and implementation of AI policy, prioritizing equitable societal benefit and economic competitiveness. “During such a complex time, we’re honored to serve Californians in this unique way, shepherding research insights toward science-backed policy actions,” says McCall. “We will continue to proudly serve as the objective conveyor of scientific findings, without any economical impetus, on every subject we address. The opportunity to move the needle in terms of evidence-based policy drives us every day.”
