What Policymakers Need from Science: A Panel of WA State Leaders | Thought Leaders Seminar Series

This panel of Washington state leaders opened the concluding session of the 2026 Thought Leaders Seminar Series, held at the WSAS Annual Member Celebration. Panelists described issues facing Washington that involve multiple, sometimes conflicting goals and would benefit from shared understanding and collaboration across sectors, including science and technology. Panelists also shared tips for those who are trying to make science and technical information useful for policy makers. PANELISTS: Senator Matt Boehnke. Ranking Member, Senate Environment Energy and Technology Committee Representative Cindy Ryu. Chair, Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee Senator Ron Muzzall. Ranking Member, Senate Health and Wellness Committee Gael Tarleton, Commissioner, WA State Transportation Commission and Former WA State Representative This session is part of WSAS’s Thought Leaders Seminar Series on Innovation for Public Benefit, which was made possible with support from the Hoveida Family Foundation. Learn more about the series: https://washacad.org/thought-leaders-...