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.
In progress
News and Updates
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.
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.
Recent Publications
Strengthening the U.S. Medicolegal Death Investigation System: Lessons from Deaths in Custody
Consensus
2025
Simplifying Research Regulations and Policies: Optimizing American Science
Consensus
2025
Identifying Gaps in Sexual Harassment Remediation Efforts in Higher Education: Issue Paper
2025
Implications of Law, Policy, and Federal Agency Decision-Making Under a New Judicial Standard: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief
Workshop_in_brief
2025
Incentivizing Urgency, Speed, and Scale to Support Future U.S. Innovation: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief
Workshop_in_brief
2025
Considerations for Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education: Issue Paper
2025