“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 December 2021

All facilities of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are closed. All gatherings will be held virtually. 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.

Leveraging Behavioral Economics as a Tool for Individual and Population Health
Dec. 1
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic exposed faults in the U.S. health care system, there has been a need to align health care resources and practices to foster health, well-being, and equity. Drawing upon strategies and insights from behavioral economics, this webinar will identify practical approaches that can incentivize high-value best practices to promote better individual and population health and well-being.

The Role of Companion Animals in Predicting Environmental Exposure Effects on Human Aging
Dec. 1-3
This workshop will explore the potential role of companion animals in predicting environmental exposures that may affect human aging and cancer. Experts will also identify the gaps in human cancer prevention and control that may be addressed through companion animal research, and vice versa.

The 2020 Edenville and Sanford Dam Failures
Dec. 2
In May 2020, the Edenville and Sanford Dams in central Michigan were breached, causing widespread flooding and the evacuation of thousands of residents. This webinar will examine the sequence of events leading to the dams’ failures, and the evidence that points to static liquefaction as a cause.

COVID-19, Health Equity, and the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Communities
Dec. 7 and 9
During this webinar, panelists will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic and hate crimes have affected the overall health and well-being of Asian populations, as well as COVID-19 vaccination and testing participation. Panelists will also discuss the dangers of the “model minority” trope.

Social Isolation and Loneliness at the End of Life
Dec. 8
For many older adults, and especially those nearing the end of their lives, social isolation and loneliness are often part of daily life. This webinar will explore the physical and emotional consequences of social isolation and loneliness at the end of life, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Creating an Optimal Care System for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Dec. 8, 10, and 14
At this workshop, panelists will examine the elements of an optimal, integrated care system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sessions will fall into three categories: innovative models of care; workforce strength and preparedness; and effective care financing and payment. The workshop will also discuss how the health care system can collaborate with other sectors to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Tracking Radiation from Medical Diagnostic Procedures
Dec. 14
This webinar will discuss the pros and cons of tracking individual patients’ radiation doses from medical diagnostic procedures — such as computed tomography (CT) scans. Part of the Gilbert W. Beebe webinar series, this event will feature speakers from national and international organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Economic Innovations to Support Health, Equity, and Well-Being
Dec. 16
Economic factors are an important driver of health and health equity. This workshop will explore research, practices, and innovative policies relevant to the health and economic stability of families and workers. The discussions and panels will have a special focus on workers in the care economy, such as paid caregivers for older adults.

Reports Scheduled for Release in December
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.

Addressing Evidence Gaps in Clinical Prevention
This report will propose a taxonomy that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) can use to describe gaps in evidence for preventive health services. This taxonomy can help USPSTF better and more efficiently articulate needs for research, and ensure funding is allocated to the most pressing research priorities.

Reckoning with the U.S Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste
This report will recommend strategies for the U.S. to reduce its contributions of plastic waste in the ocean. It will examine how much U.S. plastic enters the ocean compared to plastic from other nations and compared to global estimates, the prevalence of plastic waste in U.S. waters, and the import and export of plastic waste in the U.S.

A Research Strategy for Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration
This report will assess the benefits, risks, costs, and scalability of six ocean-based approaches for removing or sequestering carbon dioxide. The report will also outline the most urgent unanswered scientific, technical, and governance questions surrounding ocean-based carbon dioxide removal, and the essential components of a research and development program.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REPORTERS

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