The Science and Technology for Resilience (STR) program's objective is to harness the power of science, engineering, and information for adaptive and resilient communities in the US and globally. The aim is to reduce damage and suffering, enabling robust recovery, and building of equitable resilience and adaptation in the midst of a complex and changing landscape of hazards, threats, and opportunities.

To achieve this, the Science and Technology for Resilience program engages with the academic, public, and private sectors, at the global, national, and local levels, to:

• increase understanding of complex risks and extreme events in a changing environment;
• investigate and strengthen attributes of equitable, resilient systems and communities;
• test, communicate and strengthen implementation of equitable strategies for adapting to changing risks and robust recovery from disruptions;
• share accessible science and data for strengthening resilience and adaptive action; and
• connect and facilitate partnerships.

Origin of the Science and Technology for Resilience Program

In 2012, the National Research Council (NRC) released a report Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative that provided recommendations around critical issues of resilience and strategic steps for the United States to build disaster resilience. Following this, the Resilient America program was established in 2014 in the Policy and Global Affairs Division (PGA), Office of Special Projects to better understand and strengthen community resilience and adaptation. In 2023, the program was renamed Science and Technology for Resilience to be more inclusive of disciplines and global engagement on resilience.

STR is based in the PGA's Global Sustainability and Development theme to support dialogue and work addressing disasters, hazards, risk, resilience, and adaptation, through the Resilient America Roundtable and other activities.