White House Joins Grand Challenges for Engineering

February 4 - The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Economic Council this week began collecting public input on science and technology challenges that could help shape our future. The initiative, designed to foster sustainable economic growth and create high-quality jobs, was partly inspired by the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges for Engineering.

A White House blog posting says the administration will be working closely with the NAE on this effort to "unleash American ingenuity."

The NAE Grand Challenges have also inspired a series of six summits to be held this year at schools throughout the nation, as well as the Grand Challenges Scholars Program that is taking root at many colleges and universities.

In 2008 the National Academy of Engineering, after a year of expert input and review, unveiled 14 "Grand Challenges for Engineering" for the 21st century. The challenges -- which include issues such as making solar energy economical, engineering better medicines, restoring and improving urban infrastructure, and securing cyberspace -- are some of the most crucial issues facing society today.