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Oversight Unit

Computing Research, Technologies, and Systems Program Area

This program area addresses the technical foundations and policy dimensions of computing technologies and systems, with a focus on increasing U.S. resilience and security. Our work spans computer science and engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum information science, and human-technology systems.

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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.

Oct 20, 2025
Aerial view of a bright orange car driving on a street. The car is next to a pedestrian crossing and in front of a stop line with the word "Stop" painted on the road. The car uses sensors and radar to detect the pedestrians. Concept of new car technology like autonomous driving.

Confronting Core Problems in Cybersecurity

Feature Story

Cyberattacks are causing growing disruption for governments, businesses, and individuals. In a recent interview, John Manferdelli, who chairs the National Academies’ Forum on Cyber Resilience, shared his insights on the threat landscape, the underlying “hard problems” in cybersecurity, and the forum’s work to steer the nation’s cyber systems toward greater resilience.

Aug 4, 2025
data and technology.

Building a Resilient Digital Future — New National Academies Report

Media Advisory

The digital landscape that underpins modern life is rapidly evolving and outpacing efforts to keep cyber systems safe, secure, and resilient. A new report considers today’s hardest cyber problems and offers a guide for moving the U.S. to a more secure and trustworthy digital future.

May 15, 2025

Our Expertise

The Computing Research, Technologies, and Systems program area brings together the nation’s foremost experts to provide authoritative advice to the nation on vital issues surrounding computing technologies and human–systems integration. Our work encompasses the technical, policy, and societal implications of emerging technologies, from the impact of artificial intelligence on the U.S. workforce to critical needs for cyber resilience. 

Our studies provide actionable advice for those engaged at the forefront of computing innovation, complemented by forums and workshops that foster ongoing dialogue on the complex and timely issues shaping these technologies, policies, and societal outcomes.

Description

Addresses the technical foundations, national resilience, and public policy dimensions of computing technologies and systems. Topic areas include computer science and engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber infrastructure, wired and wireless communications networks, software, cybersecurity and privacy, quantum information science, and human-technology systems.

Work with Us
Looking for independent, nonpartisan guidance from the nation’s top subject-matter experts? We stand ready to help potential sponsors across a variety of sectors shape research and policy agendas, regulation, investments, operations, state and local initiatives, and more.
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Contributors

Staff

Jon Eisenberg

Lead

Shenae Bradley

Tho Nguyen

Gabrielle Risica

Emanuel Robinson

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