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Space, Security, and Conflicts

The National Academies study national defense, space exploration, and international cooperation to guide peaceful and strategic progress. Explore research that guides priorities for space exploration, safeguards national and global security, and helps prevent future conflicts. 

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Statement by National Academies Presidents on Importance of NSF’s Ocean Observatories Initiative

Statement

The National Science Foundation’s recent decision to begin removing the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s deep-sea infrastructure could put the U.S. at risk of not having the data needed to address crucial issues such as the impacts of El Niño, effects of ocean ecosystem change on important fisheries, and challenges to U.S. national security from greater access to the Arctic.

Jun 9, 2026
Photo to accompany NASEM presidents' statement regarding importance of the U.S. National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative. Image depicts work supported by the initiative.

What could we learn by landing humans on Mars?

Based on Science

Landing humans on Mars could teach us whether life ever existed beyond Earth, how planets change over time, and how humans can live on other worlds. By studying Mars up close, astronauts could answer some of the biggest questions in science, including whether we are alone in the universe.

May 29, 2026
cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Supporting Responsible Innovation of Synthetic Cells

Announcement

Synthetic cell technology has the potential to offer innovative solutions in health, environmental sciences, agriculture, and manufacturing. A new National Academies report examines how this emerging field can advance and makes recommendations to ensure research develops in ways that are safe, secure, and responsive to societal needs while managing uncertainty and risk.

Apr 29, 2026
Scientists conduct scientific experiments in the biosafety cabinet of the laboratory .
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