… California is blessed with top-notch researchers—from state and federal agencies, universities, consulting firms, and NGOs—who are responsible for many of the tools the state uses to manage its water. This spring, we convened some of these experts, along with select leaders in water policy, for a one-day intensive conversation. We asked them to evaluate the state of water research in California and to identify research priorities that could meet the challenges of the 21st century. These conversations form the basis of our recommendations. This report also highlights the challenges California is facing to maintain vital research to support water management.