Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA)
The Board on Physics and Astronomy brings the evolving subdisciplines of physics and astronomy and other related expertise together to address physics and astronomy issues of national importance.
In progress
News and Updates
Explore exciting breakthroughs in space science with The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at Space Science Week 2026 on March 23-27
Update
Each year, Space Science Week brings together leaders across the space science disciplines to explore the latest developments and discuss the future of the field. This year will feature a plenary session with updates from leaders at NASA and an array of international space agencies, a joint session about leveraging AI for space science research, and a public lecture with singer Jewel on the intersection of art and science.
Elementary Particle Physics: The Higgs and Beyond
Update
Our new report presents a bold 40-year vision for particle physics and highlights the actions necessary to make this vision reality.
Proceedings Released: Frontiers of Engineered Coherent Matter and Systems
Update
The Proceedings from the CMMRC's hybrid workshop on quantum coherent matter and systems and their relation to fundamental problems and applications in condensed matter physics, materials science, and quantum information is now available for download.
Description
The important questions in physics and astronomy change as we learn more about nature, and the rate of change has been increasing. The Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA) seeks to inform the government and the public regarding important scientific opportunities and issues as well as the changing nature of science. The BPA builds bridges between the evolving subdisciplines of physics and astronomy and between these and other areas of science. The BPA is successful if it helps both the science community and society understand what is needed to continue the advancement of physics and astronomy and why doing so is important.
The work of BPA is centered around these goals::
- Monitoring the health of physics and astronomy.
- Identifying trends in research and new developments at the scientific forefronts.
- Fostering interactions with other fields and cooperation among academic disciplines.
- Strengthening connections to technology.
- Facilitating effective service to the nation.
- Improving public understanding of science.
- Encouraging cooperation among federal agencies, government laboratories, and universities involved in research in physics and astronomy.
Contributors
Committee
Chair
Vice Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Sponsors
Department of Energy
National Science Foundation
Staff
Christopher Jones
Lead
Linda Walker
Andrea Rebholz
Tanja Pilzak