“Reports & Events” is a monthly tip sheet for the news media that highlights selected meetings of interest and reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Selected Events in January 2021

All facilities of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are closed. All gatherings have been converted to virtual meetings. Click on each event title below to access meeting details, an agenda, and registration information, or contact the Office of News and Public Information (e-mail news@nas.edu). Reporters should register for all meetings. More events can be found at https://www.nationalacademies.org/events.

Examining the Long-Term Health and Economic Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance in the United States
Jan. 5-8
Well before COVID-19, antimicrobial resistance was seen as one of the biggest threats to public health. Participants at this four-day meeting, which is informing a consensus study, will discuss the pipeline for new antibiotics and diagnostics; the economic challenges of bringing new antibiotics to market; and the appropriate use of antibiotics in animal agriculture and in settings such as nursing homes, rural and remote areas, and low- and middle-income countries.

TRB’s 100th Annual Meeting
Jan. 5-29
Industry leaders, policymakers, administrators, and researchers from government, industry, and academia will gather online for the Transportation Research Board’s 2021 annual meeting. The spotlight theme is “Launching a New Century of Mobility and Quality of Life.” More than 40 sessions will touch on how COVID-19 has impacted transportation and how transportation professionals and researchers are responding.

National Dialogue on Transforming STEM Teaching Evaluation in Higher Education
Jan. 14-27
This three-part event, including a live open plenary session, a weeklong online showcase, and closing event with breakout sessions, will further the national conversation about STEM teaching evaluation. Discussions will explore models and approaches to improving evaluation, and examine strategies to address challenges.

A Research Strategy for Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration: Part 1
Jan. 19
This is the first of four workshops designed to explore the most important scientific, technical, and governance questions in assessing the benefits and risks of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal and sequestration approaches. This event will examine the opportunities and challenges for ocean-based carbon dioxide removal broadly, including legal and political considerations, social acceptance, ethics, and others.

Microphysiological Systems: Bridging Human and Animal Research
Jan. 19 and 20
Microphysiological systems are in-vitro platforms — such as tissues or organs on chips — that mimic the biochemical, electrical, and mechanical properties of organ or tissue function, and hold promise for advancing understanding of the mechanisms of disease and accelerating drug development.  This workshop will explore the use of microphysical systems for a range of animal species and strains.

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Delivery
Jan. 21
The National Academy of Medicine and the U.S. Government Accountability Office will host a webinar during which clinicians, artificial intelligence (AI) thought leaders, and policy and legal experts will discuss promising AI applications across different health settings, and issues related to effective development, adoption, and use of such technologies.  The webinar will also cover the many challenges inherent in implementing AI in health care inside and outside of the hospital and clinic settings, including algorithm development, ethical and legal liability concerns, and potential policy solutions.

Improving Treatment Decision-Making for Older Adults with Cancer
Jan. 22, 25, and 27
This three-part workshop will explore how to improve the evidence base for treating older adults with cancer. Presentation topics will include study designs and policy opportunities to benefit older adults, as well as considerations for post-marketing surveillance of cancer treatments. Experts speaking include representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, medical societies, and patient groups.

Reducing Racial Inequalities in the Criminal Justice System
Jan. 25, 26, and 28
This public workshop will discuss how community safety and policing relate to racial inequalities in the criminal justice system. Sessions will include the historical context for policing in communities of color, police reform and accountability, and community-driven strategies.

Transforming Clinical Trials: 2030 and Beyond
Jan. 26
What will clinical trials look like in 2030? This workshop, the first in a four-part series, will discuss challenges and opportunities in improving inclusivity, building transparency, and integrating new technologies in clinical trials. Sessions will consider how COVID-19 has changed the clinical trials landscape, and discuss how stakeholders can drive improvements in the next decade.

A Research Strategy for Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration: Part 2
Jan. 27
This second of four workshops will examine opportunities and challenges associated with two ocean-based carbon dioxide removal approaches: ocean alkalinity enhancement and electrochemical approaches.  Discussions will be focused on understanding the knowledge base, efficacy, scale, and viability to each approach.

Community-Led Initiatives for Population Health Improvement
Jan. 28 and 29
Leaders from local health departments will discuss community-led action around several components of population health, including the social determinants of health.

Reports Scheduled for Release in January

Release dates for the following consensus reports and proceedings from the National Academies depend on successful completion of the review process and publishing schedules. Reporters who would like to be notified when a report is due for release should contact the Office of News and Public Information (e-mail news@nas.edu) and ask to be placed on a contact list.

Options for Reducing Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft

This report will examine the multiple options and entities involved in fully reducing lead additives from the fuel used in piston-engine aircraft and how to minimize the harmful effects of lead emissions from those aircraft.

A Review of Methods for Detecting Soreness in Horses

This report reviews the scientific and veterinary medical literature on hoof and pastern pain, and evaluates methods used to identify soring in horses for their scientific validity and reliability.

The Role of Authentic STEM Learning Experiences in Developing Interest and Competencies for Technology and Computing

This report explores authentic STEM learning experiences — experiences that mirror professional practice and real-world problems — that develop interest and competencies in computing. The report will give particular attention to approaches that promote the success of children and youth from groups that are typically underrepresented in computing fields. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REPORTERS

• The National Academies’ Newsroom
• Highlights from Latest PNAS Articles | PNAS in the News | Register to receive embargoed material from the PNAS News Office
• Reports and other National Academies publications
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