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Transportation

Transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another, supported by physical and digital infrastructure systems that enable travel on foot, by vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. The National Academies provide insights that are fundamental to connecting communities and sustaining a strong, competitive economy.

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Video Recordings from TRB Annual Meeting Now Available

Announcement

The 2026 TRB Annual Meeting brought together thousands of transportation researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share current research and discuss pressing issues across all transportation modes. Watch sessions featuring high-profile speakers focused on the surface transportation funding reauthorization bill, megaprojects, road safety, and modernizing transportation systems.

Jan 27, 2026

New Report Calls for Increased Focus on Mariner Health and Well-Being, Prohibition of Alcohol for Crew of U.S. Vessels

News Release

The health and safety of crew are crucial to the U.S. maritime industry, a sector of critical importance to the nation’s economy and defense. A new National Academies report examines policies and practices pertaining to the use of alcohol and other substances on ships and makes recommendations to support mariner well-being.

Jan 15, 2026
Two female naval architects wearing hardhats standing together on starboard side of tugboat during inspection

Are contrails harmful to the environment?

Based on Science

Some contrails can contribute to global warming. Contrails—pure ice clouds (“cirrus”) that form from aircraft exhaust under specific cold conditions—can trap heat in the atmosphere, sometimes creating as much warming as the carbon dioxide released by burning jet fuel.

Aug 22, 2025
Airplane flying through a blue sky leaving contrails

Featured work

Featured Publications

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Units

Transportation Research Board (TRB)

Oversight Unit

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Cargo train transportation - Freight railway. Used for TRB

Technical Activities Division

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Cooperative Research Programs

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TRB Consensus and Advisory Studies Division

Oversight Unit

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National Cooperative Highway Research Program

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Airport Cooperative Research Program

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