Karl S. Pister Board Chair Lawrence T. Papay Council Chair Cornelius W. "Neal" Sullivan Council Vice Chair C. Judson King Council Chair 2002-2004

Bruce Alberts, the president of the National Academy of Sciences, said in his 2005 President's Address that "it is irrational for a government anywhere to make decisions without sound scientific advice." Understanding the societal benefits derived from science, which extend far beyond the obvious, is crucial for effective governing and planning. And yet, as President Alberts notes, many of the 50 states seem to be no better off than developing nations in their ability to harness science advice.

California is the fortunate exception. In 1988, the Legislature saw a need for an effective means for the scientific community to coordinate with policymakers on dealing with science and technology related issues facing the state. It brought CCST into existence so California could leverage the expertise of its research institutions and high-tech community, so the state would no longer lose bids for major high-tech projects, and more effectively manage its natural resources and its increasingly complex infrastructure.

It takes time for an organization to establish credibility. Over the past 18 years, we have done that, bringing together leaders from the state's great research institutions to effectively advise policymakers on key issues ranging from biotechnology to education to energy. Today, CCST is increasingly the first organization state policymakers look to when seeking sound, impartial data on S&T related matters. It is for this reason that the National Academies have partnered with CCST, and why President Alberts in his address mentioned this partnership as an important part of the Academies' efforts to reach out across the nation - the only state organization to receive such mention. It is also a testament to the effectiveness of the collaboration we have forged between our academic, industry, and research communities.

This year, we enter a new chapter in this collaboration with the appointment of our first council chair from private industry, and the institution of a new vice chair position. CCST's industry members have always been key components of our effectiveness, adding a range of perspective and expertise which helps make CCST the unique resource it is today. But we have not to date had an industry leader in the position of council chair. The position of vice chair has been added to ensure that from now on, the leadership of the Council will be shared between our academic and industrial members.

These changes in CCST's leadership are just a part of the continuing effort to expand our voice to become as inclusive as possible. We are forging new connections with the NASA and DOE labs, who have joined CCST as affiliate members, and with the state's science and math teacher workforce, with the creation of the nation's first state-level Teacher Advisory Council modeled on the National Academy body.

Each of these voices is vital to the critical issue of educating everyone in science, and making sure that we get the right information to the right people at the right time - from law makers contemplating far-reaching legislation, to average California citizens voting on science-related referenda. Together, we should be up to the challenge.

Karl S. Pister, Board Chair

C. Judson King, Council Chair 2002-2004