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.
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News and Updates
DOE Should Develop AI-Based Foundation Models Fused with Traditional Computational Methods to Bring Paradigm Shift to Scientific Discovery
News Release
Foundation models are AI systems trained on vast amounts of data — often trillions of individual data points — and they are capable of learning new ways of modeling information and performing a range of tasks. A new National Academies report examines how the U.S. Department of Energy could use these models to potentially transform scientific discovery and innovation.
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 Sep 3, 2025 News Release
- 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
- The Current Status and Future Direction of High-Magnetic-Field Science and Technology in the United States — New Report Aug 13, 2024 Media Advisory
- FAA Should Modernize its Safety Practices to Manage Emerging Hazards and Support Adoption of New Technologies Aug 13, 2024 News Release
- 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
On Being a Scientist Panel on Earning and Maintaining Trust
Consensus/Advisory Activity
An ad hoc panel on earning and maintaining trust will produce content for On Being a Scientist: An Updated and Online Guide to the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research.
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NAS Building Guided Tours Available!
Participate in a one-hour guided tour of the historic National Academy of Sciences building, highlighting its distinctive architecture, renowned artwork, and the intersection of art, science, and culture.