LCSSP

The Linde Center for Science, Society, and Policy

Founded in 2023 to foster meaningful connections between the science happening at Caltech and essential policy conversations.

Latest Updates

In alignment with LCSSP's mission of producing scientific insights to support the information needs of policymakers, the BioPolicy Initiative announces the recipients of our first ever science-for-policy seed grants.

Graphic showing screenshots of recorded presentations from three workshop participants.

Diverse participants shared their perspectives on the responsible governance of synthetic biology at our recent workshop, covering topics ranging from industry standards to indigenous rights to species de-extinction. From top: Riley Taitingfong (Native Nations Institute), Ben Novak (Revive & Restore), Joe McAuliffe (IFF)

Former LCSSP postdoc Beatrice Magistro and Co-Director Mike Alvarez for Foreign Affairs: "AI adoption is accelerating, and its deleterious effects on employment are no longer a speculative problem...and they will only accelerate in the months to come. Adaptive policies, meanwhile, will take years to yield results. If governments want to protect their economies—and themselves—they must act now."

BioPolicy

Democracy & Elections

Environment & Sustainability

AI & Technology

U.S. stamps featuring Linus Pauling, Edwin Hubble, Theodore von Karman, Barbara McClintock, Richard Feynman, and various themes related to science and technology policy.

The societal impact of Caltech scientists, memorialized by the U.S. Postal Service.

Welcome to LCSSP

So many members of the Caltech community are motivated by a conviction that science is a powerful tool to improve people's lives. The increase in our collective well-being often occurs through new innovations, but it can also happen when scientific insights enable better societal decision making.

For decades, governments around the globe have used scientific knowledge to understand abstract problems, devise appropriate solutions, and evaluate the efficacy of interventions. As the world's challenges become more complex, so too must the depth of engagement from scientific researchers.

LCSSP was founded in 2023 to develop meaningful connections between the science happening at Caltech and today's most pressing policy conversations. The Center's activities include developing cross-sector partnerships, convening multi-stakeholder forums, supporting policy-relevant research, and organizing educational opportunities for students.

We particularly focus on projects that build on Caltech's unique research strengths in biology and bioengineering, environmental sustainability, computer science, and elections and democracy.

LCSSP is always looking for new opportunities to partner with other organizations interested in the intersection of science and policy. If you have an idea for a potential collaboration, or would just like to hear more about our work, please reach out. Whether you are coming from government, industry, civil society, or academia, we would love to hear from you.