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The National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.

Understanding the Rules of Life Program: Scientific Advancements and Future Opportunities
2023

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In 2023, the National Academies held a series of facilitated workshops to gather information on progress to date on projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Understanding the Rules of Life (URoL) program. A fundamental goal of the URoL program is to identify the causal, predictive relationships that drive how life functions—a concept articulated as the "rules of life." Principal investigators of the URoL program shared findings from their research and how those findings might contribute to identifying rules of life that are generalizable across fields and scales. Participants also discussed how they have incorporated multidisciplinary, systems-level approaches into their work. This booklet highlights the program's focus areas and reach, major scientific breakthroughs, and lessons for research and education across scientific disciplines. This booklet is intended for policy and lay audiences interested in learning more about the goals and opportunities of NSF's URoL program.

Publication information

28 pages · 8.5 x 11 ·
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-70267-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/27021

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Understanding the Rules of Life Program: Scientific Advancements and Future Opportunities. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

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Front Matter i-ii
Contents 1-3
Understanding the Rules of Life (URoL) Program Activities and Impact 4-6
Program Areas by the Numbers 7-8
Emerging Themes in Identifying Rules of Life 9-18
Strategies for Successful Multidisciplinary Research 19-21
Strategies for Fostering the Next Generation of Researchers 22-24
For More Information 25-26

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Understanding the Rules of Life Program: Scientific Advancements and Future Opportunities (2023)

Chapter: Front Matter

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Understanding the Rules of Life Program: Scientific Advancements and Future Opportunities (2023)

Chapter: Front Matter

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES