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DOE Should Develop AI-Based Foundation Models Fused with Traditional Computational Methods to Bring Paradigm Shift to Scientific Discovery

News Release

Foundation models are AI systems trained on vast amounts of data — often trillions of individual data points — and they are capable of learning new ways of modeling information and performing a range of tasks. A new National Academies report examines how the U.S. Department of Energy could use these models to potentially transform scientific discovery and innovation.

Dec 16, 2025
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Innovative Materials in Water Resources Infrastructure: Opportunities for the Corps of Engineers

Announcement

Dams, locks, and levees are critical to U.S. navigation, safety, and commerce — but many are reaching the end of or have surpassed their design lives. A new National Academies report examines how innovative materials could help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintain, repair, and modernize this vital infrastructure.

Dec 18, 2025

The State of Human H5N1 Therapeutic Evidence and Future Directions

Announcement

Safe and effective therapeutics play a critical role in treating influenza infections and preventing spread. A new rapid expert consultation from the National Academies summarizes the current landscape of therapeutic options against avian influenza A (H5N1) in humans and discusses opportunities to improve preparedness and response planning for a potential scenario of sustained human-to-human spread.

Dec 22, 2025
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Ways we are making a difference

“There is a critical gap between the performance of machine learning [and] what we would expect in a safety-critical system,” – George Pappas, Associate Dean of Research, School of Engineering and Applied Science at University of Pennsylvania. Machine learning, a key enabler of artificial intelligence, is increasingly used for applications like self-driving cars, medical devices, and advanced robots that work near humans — all contexts where safety is of critical importance.

Making Machine Learning Safer in High-Stakes Settings
Making Machine Learning Safer in High-Stakes Settings
2025

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12,757,958 Over 12,757,958 people have engaged with our work in 2025.

7,300 Over 7,300 innovative thinkers and accomplished practitioners volunteered their time with the National Academies in 2024.

Topics

Discover what the National Academies are doing to strengthen the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.

In Focus

Strengthening the U.S. Research Enterprise

A strong research enterprise drives innovation and discovery, improves Americans’ health and well-being, and protects national security. Learn more about our work on advancing U.S. leadership in science, protecting research integrity, and training a resilient STEM labor force.

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Supporting State and Local Decision Making

Many science-related challenges that affect people’s health, environment, and livelihoods directly and profoundly require responses at the state, local, and regional levels. National Academies studies, workshops, and other projects help policymakers and communities better understand and navigate these challenges.

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Our Work on Transportation

We rely on working transportation and infrastructure to go about our daily lives: a reliable electrical grid, durable buildings, and safe roads for all. The National Academies provide insights on how to create and maintain these critical systems to build a strong foundation for America’s future.

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Our Work on Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence increasingly becomes a part of daily life, the National Academies are advising the government on AI use, policy, ethics, and innovation. Explore our work, from making machine learning safer in high-stakes applications to setting standards for how AI is used in health and medicine.

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Advancing a Robust U.S. Economy

Much of the National Academies’ work contributes to building a stronger, more competitive U.S. economy. We apply our expertise to spur innovation, bolster industrial capacity, modernize America’s infrastructure, and develop a skilled technical workforce for the 21st century.

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Our Work on Education

Education shapes the future by building knowledge, creativity, and opportunity for all while giving us the building blocks for solving pressing global challenges and enhancing quality of life. The National Academies examine how students learn, how teachers can be supported, and how education systems can prepare all learners for success.

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Upcoming events

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Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers - Closed Meeting No. 18

Meeting

Upcoming

Closed

January 2, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)

Committee on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences 2026 Spring Meeting

Meeting

Upcoming

January 5 - 6, 2026

44th Meeting of the Board on Science Education's Open Session

Meeting

Upcoming

January 5 - 6, 2026

Committee on Radio Frequencies - Monthly Call January 2026

Meeting

Upcoming

Closed

January 5, 2026

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)

Future Directions for NSF’s Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (Meeting # 22)

Meeting

Upcoming

January 5, 2026

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM (EST)

Symposium on Geotechnical Engineering Research Needs for Natural Hazard Mitigation

Symposium

Upcoming

January 7, 2026

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)

Organizational Models for the Cyber Forces of the U.S. Armed Forces (Meeting # 3)

Meeting

Upcoming

January 7 - 8, 2026

National Academy of Sciences Building Art and Architecture Tour

Lecture

Upcoming

January 7, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)

Status of Insects in North America Information Gathering Session

Meeting

Upcoming

January 7, 2026

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)

Forum on Energy Systems Transformation and Decarbonization - Executive Meeting #5

Meeting

Upcoming

Closed

January 7, 2026

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)

Webinar 4 - Bridging AI & Earth Systems Forecasting Applications

Webinar

Upcoming

January 8, 2026

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)

Sexual Assault at Sea - Site Visit #2

Meeting

Upcoming

Closed

January 9, 2026

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)

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The National Academies

The work of the private, nonprofit National Academies is grounded in the expertise of our three academies

National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the government on issues related to science and technology.

National Academy of Engineering

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the government.

National Academy of Medicine

The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the government on medical and health issues.

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