The CSU is eager to bring our significant faculty experience and expertise to bear on helping the state find solutions we face throughout our state associated with applied research. There are two measures that have been introduced this year dealing with climate change and stem cell and biotechnology education applied research that highlight the CSU:

• SB 128 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) establishes the California Climate Change Institute and requires the Institute to support research and education programs relating to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately because of significant fiscal costs, SB 128 was held on suspense file in the Senate Appropriations Committee, and will not move further until next year.
  
• SB 471 authored by Senator Gloria Romero (D- Los Angeles) establishes the Stem Cell and Biotechnology Education and Workforce Development Act, and requires the Department of Education, in consultation with California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and representatives of the biotechnology industry, to promote stem cell and biotechnology education and workforce development in the science curriculum frameworks, the California Partnership Academies, the California Resource Network, and other existing programs. SB 471 has not been set yet, but should be heard soon in Assembly Education Committee.

The CSU will continue to work with policy makers to bring solutions developed by the CSU faculty to the table as it is associated with applied research. We have several programs such as our Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs available in 16 fields and 12 campuses. The PSM programs result in the awarding of master's of science degrees and prepare students for science and mathematics careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations in which workforce needs are increasing rapidly. In addition, we have our CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology program (CSUPERB) whose mission is to develop a professional biotechnology workforce by mobilizing and supporting collaborative CSU student and faculty research, innovating educational practices, and responding to and anticipating the needs of the life science industry.

The CSU also provides significant leadership in developing the well-trained workforce needed by emerging green industries; and due to our preeminent strengths in applied research and workforce development, particularly in physical sciences, engineering, and business, CSU will be a substantial contributor to the success of the California’s climate change research.

Most importantly, the CSU stands committed to taking a leadership role in finding solutions to the problems associated with applied research.