CCST has begun a dialogue with the National Academies, comprised of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the National Research Council (NRC), on ways to collaborate and develop a closer relationship in the years to come. "The time is right to hold this conversation," said Dr. William Wulf, president of the NAE and vice chair of the National Research Council (NRC) at the CCST Council meeting on February 28.

The charters and objectives of the National Academies and CCST, as well as their interaction with the government, are very similar. In fact, when CCST was created in 1988, it was modeled in part after the NRC, which is the operating arm of the National Academies. While there is a substantial difference in size - the NRC produces nearly one scholarly report a day - CCST's objective advising and sound analysis of science and technology related issues have earned national and international attention.

"The National Academies have determined that there is a need to seek a connection, outside of the federal government, with the states," Wulf said in his address to the Council. "We want to be more proactive. Considering that important national and international issues oftentimes show up first at the local or state level, the development of a partnership with an organization such as CCST seems like a good idea."

"Some of the reports produced by the NRC are especially relevant to California," said CCST Council chair Jud King. "Having the opportunity to tap into this resource would be extremely valuable for California, and can greatly assist CCST in its capacity as a source of advice and analysis to the state."

Wulf's address, entitled "The National Academies: Examples from Counter-Terrorism," explained how the National Academies function as objective advisors to the nation on science, engineering and health issues. His presentation also provided a perspective on the relationship of science and technology to the nation's struggle against terrorism by using activities on counter-terrorism to illustrate the Academies' function.

One of the principal issues which is a concern for both CCST and the National Academies is the increasing degree of technological literacy needed by those who are making policy decisions. A high degree of technological knowledge is necessary so policymakers can effectively deal with science and technology problems they are confronted with, such as counter-terrorism.

The very number and variety of reports that the National Academies produce makes the effective dissemination of its research among legislators and the public, particularly at the state level, a difficult task. An appropriate role for CCST, for example, might be to work to identify key NRC reports and findings relevant to California, and present them to policymakers in a timely manner. In the first example of such collaboration, CCST is working with the National Academies on adapting a September 2002 NRC report on agricultural terrorism.