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Community Engagement

Community engagement strengthens trust and improves decision-making. The National Academies study evidence-based approaches that bring community voices into policy and research. 

What's happening

Clinicians Should Focus on Symptom Evaluation and Continuity of Care Following Jet Fuel Releases in Oahu, Says New Report Examining Health Risks from Potential Exposures

News Release

A new National Academies report recommends guidance for clinicians caring for individuals who were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated by jet fuel accidently released on Oahu, Hawaii, in November 2021. The report also calls for continued environmental oversight of the drinking water system, health research, surveillance of the exposed community, and other efforts to rebuild trust.

Mar 19, 2026
Aerial view of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA. From front to back - Pearl City Penninsula, (front right) Middle Loch with remnants of WWII mothball fleet, Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu International Airport with Hickam Field to right, Honolulu, and Diamond Head. Photographed August 9, 2012, by 2018 the mothball fleet was gone.

Priorities for Sustainable and Responsible Development of Offshore Renewable Energy on the West Coast Outlined in New Report

News Release

The waters of the U.S. West Coast are well-suited for renewable energy projects but already support maritime activities central to regional economies, food systems, and public safety. A new National Academies report offers recommendations to help inform offshore renewable energy development while mitigating negative impacts on coastal communities and industries.

Mar 17, 2026
coastal ocean waves

Civic Science Media: Reimagining How We Communicate Science

Feature Story

A 2022 award winner of the National Academies’ Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, J.D. Allen discusses his civic science media framework, his nuclear energy broadcast initiative, and how incorporating community engagement and solutions-focused journalism improves science storytelling.

Jan 29, 2026
J.D. Allen in the field with NPR (photo by Sabrina Garone/WSHU Public Radio)

Featured work

On Being a Scientist Panel on Responsible Conduct and Stewardship of the Research Process

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Working Group 8: Strength of Evidence

Supporting Activity

In Formation

The Use of Race and Ethnicity in Biomedical Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Development of a Plan to Promote Defense Research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress X

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Utilizing Advanced Environmental Health and Geospatial Data and Technologies to Inform Community Investment

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

A Report Series on Progress and Opportunities Toward Decreasing the Risk of Offshore Energy Operations

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Understanding the Status and Well-Being of Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Review of Department of Transportation Testing of Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brakes

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Featured Publications

Units

Strengthening Adaptive Capacity for Healthy and Resilient Gulf Communities

Initiative

In Formation

Committee to Advise GRP on Rapid Response to Oil Spills of National Significance

Standing Committee

In Formation

Health Care and Public Health Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Extensive series of patients, doctors and nurses of various ages and ethnicities in a modern exam room. Used for: A Long COVID Definition A Chronic, Systemic Disease State with Profound Consequences

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Social and Economic Systems Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Happy and smiling multiracial family with grandparents by the beach in New England

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Transportation Research Board (TRB)

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Cargo train transportation - Freight railway. Used for TRB

Standing Committee on Environmental Science and Assessment for Ocean Energy Management

Standing Committee

In Progress

Gulf Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress
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