The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) announced this month that researcher Andrew Jones has been appointed as the inaugural science advisor to California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.
Appointed through the newly launched CCST Science Residency Program, Jones will advise Crowfoot and California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) leaders on science and technology issues affecting natural resource policy, and work to connect scientific and policy communities. The program broadly aims to advance evidence-based policymaking on California’s most pressing challenges, including climate resilience, biodiversity, wildfire adaptation, water management, and ecosystem health.
“California’s environmental challenges are urgent and multifaceted,” said Jones. “I look forward to supporting CNRA’s mission by helping integrate rigorous scientific insight into cross-agency collaboration and policymaking that advances resilience, equitable outcomes, and sustainable resource stewardship.”
Jones (MS ’07, PhD ’12 Energy & Resources) studies the interface of human and environmental systems using quantitative models and data analysis to better understand climate risks and provide actionable information for solutions. He is an associate adjunct professor in the Energy & Resources Group at UC Berkeley, and also a research scientist on leave from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Crowfoot called Jones’ appointment a watershed moment for the agency, noting the present-day importance of using science to guide how we tackle climate change and other environmental challenges. “Our partnerships with California’s world-class academic and research institutions build on the strong work of state scientists and point the way forward,” he said. “Jones’ renowned expertise and leadership will strengthen how we use science to protect Californians and build a bright future for our state.”
The appointment is facilitated by CCST with support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
