CCST meets three times a year. These meetings inform state leaders about CCST's ongoing projects and initiatives and focus attention on other S&T related issues. Visitors and guests include heads of state agencies, Legislators, and leading experts from a variety of scientific and technological disciplines. Each meeting features speakers who are experts in their field.

OCTOBER 2002
Major theme: Nanotechnology

Evelyn Hu

As the electronics industry pushes its own nanotechnology frontiers, nanoscience and nanotechnology will have profound impacts for a multitude of other applications, according to Evelyn Hu, co-director of the California Nano-Systems Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

At the CCST Board, Council, and Fellows dinner in October, Hu examined the future of nanotechnology in California and the projected growth of computer technologies. The title of her talk was Will Moore's Law Stand Forever? Nanotechnology and its Promise for the California Economy.

"As we consider the development of new alternative technologies, it's important to consider what happens with the existing electronics technology," Hu stated in her address. "California and the semiconductor industries were an important part of the lobbying effort that led to the launch of the National Nanotechnology Initiative."

California is currently the nation's nanotechnology leader, ranked number one by Small Times magazine in March 2003. It enjoys substantial advantages in research, industry, and innovation over the other top ten states, and received more than half ($440 billion) of all American venture capital investment in nano S&T in 2002. However, despite California's significant investments in nanotechnology, there are concerns about the long term and about commercialization. CCST will be studying these issues in an analysis of nanoscience and nanotechnology trends in California to be released in a fall 2003 report.

FEBRUARY 2003
Major theme: Collaboration with the National Academies

William A. Wulf

William A. Wulf, president of the National Academy of Engineering and vice chair of the National Research Council, was the keynote speaker at CCST's dinner program held in Sacramento in February. The title of Wulf's talk was The National Academies: Examples from Counter-Terrorism.

"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."

Wulf's address explained how the National Academies function as objective advisors to the nation on issues of science, engineering and health. His presentation also provided a perspective on the relation 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 technological literacy of policymakers. A high degree of technological literacy is necessary so policymakers can recognize the nature of science and technology problems they are confronted with, such as counter-terrorism. An appropriate role for CCST might be to work to identify key Academy reports and findings relevant to California, and present them to Legislators and the Governor's office in a timely and effective manner.

JUNE 2003
Major theme: Bioterrorism

R. Steven Tharratt, MD

Dr. R. Steven Tharratt was the keynote speaker at the CCST dinner program on June 4, 2003. The title of Dr. Tharratt's address was The Academic and Government Responses to Terrorism: Defining Opportunities for Collaboration.

"Our office is very comfortable with the response mechanism in place," said Tharratt. "California has several advantages in terms of disaster management and preparedness. However, agricultural defense and agricultural terrorism pose unique challenges."

CCST has been cooperating with various California state agencies in identifying scientific experts and industrial leaders with the relevant expertise to advise the state on counter-terrorism. A committee is currently examining how best to present to state policymakers California-specific findings from a recent National Research Council analysis on countering agricultural bioterrorism.

"The economic devastation potential, and the ability to create doubt in a nation's food supply, are potentially attractive to terrorist groups," said Tharratt. "There is a need to engage industry and the private sector in making sure California is prepared."

Tharratt is Professor of Medicine and Anesthesiology at the University of California, Davis. He is also Medical Science Advisor to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the California State Emergency Services Authority.

Above, Dallas Jones, far left corner, Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, meets with CCST committee members C. Judson King, Karl S. Pister, Francine D. Berman, Miriam E. John, Max T. Weiss, Arthur N. Chester and Susan Hackwood.