Sather Tower and the bay at sunset. (Photo/ Keegan Houser)
(Photo/ Keegan Houser)

UC Berkeley’s Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) announced its new advisory board, convening for the first time this week. 

Members of the CDSS Advisory Board represent a range of expertise and industries, including health care, finance and technology. Jeff Huber will lead the group as board chair, drawing on a wealth of experience as co-founder and general partner of Triatomic Capital, founding CEO of GRAIL and former senior vice president at Google.

Working closely with Jennifer Chayes, associate provost for CDSS, the board aims to strengthen the division’s relationships in academia, industry and government and provide insights on the future of computing, statistics and information, as well as emerging interdisciplinary fields. The CDSS Advisory Board will offer vital support as the division moves closer to becoming a college and breaking ground on the Gateway building. 

"This an auspicious time for CDSS,” said Chayes. “We face an urgent need for innovations in computing and data science that can respond to major societal challenges, including biomedicine and health, climate and sustainability, and human welfare and social justice. The CDSS Advisory Board brings together visionary thinkers and innovative leaders who will help us realize our research and education goals and our social mission.”  

Huber is excited to be a part of CDSS from the ground floor and collaborate with the many trailblazers on the board as they help chart the division’s course. “Jennifer’s vision and energy for computing and data science – combined with the power and impact of UC Berkeley – can change the world. I am honored to be a part of the team and eager to get started.”

Throughout the ongoing college proposal process initiated in 2020, division leadership has sought feedback and guidance from the UC Berkeley community. True to the spirit of collaboration central to its mission and vision, numerous voices across campus and beyond continue to help shape and define CDSS.

On the path to becoming a college, the creation of the CDSS Advisory Board marks a significant step. Chayes adds that the board is still growing, and she anticipates new members being added in the near future. "We are poised to do pivotal work at Berkeley with far-reaching implications, and our advisory board members will be important partners and advocates as we move forward.”