Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)
The Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience. Our work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security.
In progress
News and Updates
Making Machine Learning Safer in High-Stakes Settings
Feature Story
Machine learning, a key enabler of artificial intelligence, is increasingly used for applications like self-driving cars, medical devices, and advanced robots that work near humans, all contexts where safety is of critical importance. A recent report and webinar explored how to improve the performance and safety of machine learning in these settings.
New Report Identifies Policy Options to Improve Federal Research Regulations, Bolster U.S. Scientific Competitiveness
News Release
The U.S. scientific enterprise has produced significant advances in technologies and medicines for the nation but is being held back by uncoordinated regulations and policies. A new National Academies report examines the landscape of federal regulations and outlines policy options to alleviate administrative and regulatory burden.
- An Enduring Guide to Responsible Research Gets an Update Sep 2, 2025 Feature Story
- Why Chemistry Might Be Our Best Clue to Life on Other Planets Jun 25, 2025 Program News
- First Images from Vera C. Rubin Observatory Debut at National Academy of Sciences Jun 24, 2025 Feature Story
- Report Calls for Creation of National Information Clearinghouse for Cybercrime Data; Urges FBI to Adopt New System for Categorizing Cybercrimes Apr 17, 2025 News Release
- Exploring the New Nuclear Energy Landscape Feb 14, 2025 Feature Story
- Making Sense of Space Weather: Q&A with Physicist Robyn Millan Feb 4, 2025 Feature Story
- National Academies Launch Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 Jan 30, 2025 News Release
- Rural Areas Offer Unique Opportunities for STEM Education, But Targeted Resources, Connectivity, and Training Needed Dec 11, 2024 News Release
- Actions Needed Throughout U.S. Education System to Scale Up Promising Innovations That Can Improve STEM Education Nov 20, 2024 News Release
- FAA Should Modernize its Safety Practices to Manage Emerging Hazards and Support Adoption of New Technologies Aug 13, 2024 News Release
- The Current Status and Future Direction of High-Magnetic-Field Science and Technology in the United States — New Report Aug 13, 2024 Media Advisory
- Advances in Facial Recognition Technology Have Outpaced Laws, Regulations; New Report Recommends Federal Government Take Action on Privacy, Equity, and Civil Liberties Concerns Jan 17, 2024 News Release
- Recidivism Is Inadequate Measure of Success After Prison; New Measurements and National Standards Are Needed, Says New Report Apr 28, 2022 News Release
- Using Science to Improve Eyewitness Testimony Jan 24, 2020 Feature Story
Our Expertise
The Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) serves as the home for programs that address physical sciences, technology, education, and law at the National Academies. The center brings together world-renown experts from across disciplines and industries to translate state-of-the-art research to policy and practice. Our work aims to advance scientific innovation, foster robust and resilient systems, and strengthen the U.S. workforce, from harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence to developing standards for K–12 STEM education.
Program Areas
CAST’s interdisciplinary portfolio encompasses five program areas:
Description
The Center for Advancing Science and Technology will focus on fostering robust and resilient systems for science, engineering, and technology innovation and on educating and preparing the workforce to advance the welfare and security of the nation.
Contributors
Staff
Tina Bahadori
Lead
Maggie Walser
Lead
Sue Wyatt
Maddi Nicol
Danitza Valdivia
Major units and sub-units
Computing Research, Technologies, and Systems Program Area
Aeronautics, Space, and Astronomy Program Area
Science and Engineering Education and Workforce Program Area
Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure Program Area
Center for Advancing Science and Technology Executive Office
Science and Technology Policy and Law Program Area