The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will convene an ad hoc Convergence Advisory Group to provide strategic advice to the Presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM on steps the National Academies can take to provide leadership and to spur convergence activities in the United States and internationally. In particular, the informal group of distinguished leaders will advise the Presidents on the following questions:

· Is there a unique and valuable role for the National Academies in providing national and/or international leadership in the area of convergence?

· If so, what are the highest priority activities for the National Academies?

· How can the National Academies most effectively leverage and coordinate with major convergence activities being carried out by universities, foundations, the private sector, federal and state agencies, international organizations, and other organizations?

The results of the Convergence Advisory Group will inform development of future National Academies’ activities in this area. A workshop representing a next step in these activities will be convened. The specific focus, topics, and participants for the workshop will be refined through conversations with the Advisory Group and other experts. A proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur.