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Oversight Unit

Science and Technology Policy and Law Program Area

The Science and Technology Policy and Law program area provides authoritative advice to the nation on vital issues shaping science and technology. Our work protects the integrity of research, examines legal and governance frameworks, monitors U.S. policy developments to inform interested groups, and supports evidence-based decision-making.

The US Supreme Court and Capitol Building - Washington DC

In progress

News and Updates

System that Investigates and Provides Determinations of Cause and Manner of Deaths in Custody Needs Comprehensive Reform, Says New Report

News Release

The system that investigates deaths in custody is fragmented, under resourced, and in need of comprehensive reform. A new National Academies report outlines the challenges facing the U.S. medicolegal death investigation system and recommends actions to improve it at the local, state, and federal levels.

Oct 30, 2025
A closeup of the locking mechanism of a closed jail cell with welded iron bars on a dimly lit dark background - 3D render

Sustaining a Vibrant and Secure U.S. Research Enterprise

Announcement

In an increasingly competitive international environment, the United States is facing new challenges to its leadership in science and technology (S&T) . Our resource brings together the National Academies' substantial body of work related to advancing U.S. S&T leadership while protecting the U.S. enterprise from foreign misappropriation of scientific and technological information.

Jan 28, 2026
Group of Empowered Multicultural Specialists Working in a Research Center, Using Computer to Collaborate on Advanced Software, Develop Artificial Intelligence Interface and Cloud-Based Blockchain

Advances in Facial Recognition Technology Have Outpaced Laws, Regulations; New Report Recommends Federal Government Take Action on Privacy, Equity, and Civil Liberties Concerns

News Release

A new report recommends ways for the federal government to address privacy, equity, and civil liberties concerns raised by some uses of facial recognition technology and provides guidance for responsible development and deployment of the technology.

Jan 17, 2024
Human shape made of wires

Recently completed

Rethinking Researcher Assessment and Incentives at U.S. Academic Institutions: A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Improving the Regulatory Efficiency and Reducing Administrative Workload to Strengthen Competitiveness and Productivity of U.S. Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Reimagining STEMM Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Career Development: A Summit

Workshop

Recently Completed

Implications of Recent Supreme Court Decisions for Agency Decision-Making: A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Assessing Research Security Efforts in Higher Education: Experts Meeting and Workshop Series

Workshop

Recently Completed

Advancing the Field of Forensic Pathology: Lessons Learned from Death in Custody Investigations

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

The Impact of Active Shooter Drills on Student Health and Wellbeing

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

After Roe: Preventing Harassment and Violence against Health Professionals Who Provide Reproductive Care. A Webinar

Seminar/Webinar/Lecture

Recently Completed

Cybercrime Classification and Measurement

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Science for Judges - Development of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, 4th Edition

Other

Recently Completed

Rebalancing the Future Research Ecosystem: From Vision to Action: A Summit

Workshop

Recently Completed

The Economic Future of the U.S. Research Enterprise: From Vision to Value – A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Projects

National Conversation on Reimagining the U.S. Research Enterprise: Cross-Sector Perspectives and Emerging Opportunities (Conversation 2)

Workshop

In Formation

National Conversation on Reimagining the U.S. Research Enterprise: Cross-Sector Perspectives and Emerging Opportunities

Other

In Progress

Understanding and Scoping Future Research on Disruptive Innovation: A Workshop

Workshop

In Progress

AI Infrastructure to Accelerate AI Convergence and Catalyze U.S. Scientific Innovation: A Workshop

Workshop

In Formation

Bolstering National Science & Technology Competitiveness Through Effective Science Communication: A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

The Economic Future of the U.S. Research Enterprise: From Vision to Value – A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Achieving a Just Response to Sudden, Unexpected Infant Deaths – A Workshop

Workshop

In Progress

Science and Technology Policy and Law Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
The US Supreme Court and Capitol Building - Washington DC

Rebalancing the Future Research Ecosystem: From Vision to Action: A Summit

Workshop

Recently Completed

On Being a Scientist Panel on Earning and Maintaining Trust

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

On Being a Scientist Panel on Responsible Conduct and Stewardship of the Research Process

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

On Being a Scientist Panel on Openness and Security

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

On Being a Scientist Panel on Collaborating Responsibly

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Rethinking Researcher Assessment and Incentives at U.S. Academic Institutions: A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Improving the Regulatory Efficiency and Reducing Administrative Workload to Strengthen Competitiveness and Productivity of U.S. Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed
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