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Program Centers
Oversight Unit

Science and Technology Policy and Law Program Area

The Science and Technology Policy and Law program area provides authoritative advice to the nation on vital issues shaping science and technology. Our work protects the integrity of research, examines legal and governance frameworks, monitors U.S. policy developments to inform interested groups, and supports evidence-based decision-making.

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News and Updates

System that Investigates and Provides Determinations of Cause and Manner of Deaths in Custody Needs Comprehensive Reform, Says New Report

News Release

The system that investigates deaths in custody is fragmented, under resourced, and in need of comprehensive reform. A new National Academies report outlines the challenges facing the U.S. medicolegal death investigation system and recommends actions to improve it at the local, state, and federal levels.

Oct 30, 2025
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Sustaining a Vibrant and Secure U.S. Research Enterprise

Announcement

In an increasingly competitive international environment, the United States is facing new challenges to its leadership in science and technology (S&T) . Our resource brings together the National Academies' substantial body of work related to advancing U.S. S&T leadership while protecting the U.S. enterprise from foreign misappropriation of scientific and technological information.

Jan 28, 2026
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Advances in Facial Recognition Technology Have Outpaced Laws, Regulations; New Report Recommends Federal Government Take Action on Privacy, Equity, and Civil Liberties Concerns

News Release

A new report recommends ways for the federal government to address privacy, equity, and civil liberties concerns raised by some uses of facial recognition technology and provides guidance for responsible development and deployment of the technology.

Jan 17, 2024
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About Events Projects Publications/Resources News and Updates

Our Expertise

The Science and Technology Policy and Law program area brings together leading experts from academia, government, and industry to explore how legal systems, governance structures, and policy frameworks intersect with science, technology, and society. Our work addresses cross-sector issues that shape the research enterprise and innovation ecosystem — such as data governance, national security, and emerging technologies — while also engaging deeply with questions of justice, ethics, and public accountability. 

Our landmark studies and convenings explore how evidence and scientific understanding inform legal decision making and how law and policy can evolve to reflect technological and societal change. Our portfolio includes work on topics ranging from the use of science in the courts and forensic practices to the broader impacts of innovation policy, helping ensure that science, technology, and law together serve the public good. 

Description

Examines legal frameworks and cross-sector policy issues affecting science and technology. Monitors U.S. policy developments and supports evidence-based decision-making.

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Looking for independent, nonpartisan guidance from the nation’s top subject-matter experts? We stand ready to help potential sponsors across a variety of sectors shape research and policy agendas, regulation, investments, operations, state and local initiatives, and more.
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