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Standing Committee

Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA)

The Board on Physics and Astronomy brings the evolving subdisciplines of physics and astronomy and other related expertise together to address physics and astronomy issues of national importance.

In progress

News and Updates

Explore exciting breakthroughs in space science with The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at Space Science Week 2026 on March 23-27

Update

Each year, Space Science Week brings together leaders across the space science disciplines to explore the latest developments and discuss the future of the field. This year will feature a plenary session with updates from leaders at NASA and an array of international space agencies, a joint session about leveraging AI for space science research, and a public lecture with singer Jewel on the intersection of art and science.

Mar 10, 2026
Partial solar eclipse above the curvature of the Earth in the foreground.

Elementary Particle Physics: The Higgs and Beyond

Update

Our new report presents a bold 40-year vision for particle physics and highlights the actions necessary to make this vision reality.

Sep 8, 2025
Colorful fission of particle in collider

Proceedings Released: Frontiers of Engineered Coherent Matter and Systems

Update

The Proceedings from the CMMRC's hybrid workshop on quantum coherent matter and systems and their relation to fundamental problems and applications in condensed matter physics, materials science, and quantum information is now available for download.

Nov 20, 2025
engineered coherent matter

Projects

Frontiers of Learning Materials: A Workshop

Workshop

Recently Completed

Space Science Week

Educational/Outreach Activity

In Progress
Partial solar eclipse above the curvature of the Earth in the foreground.

Committee on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

The Current Status and Future Direction of High Magnetic Field Science in the United States, Phase II

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Frontiers in Data Analytics and Monitoring Tools for Extreme Materials: A Workshop

Workshop

Completed

Technology Developments to Advance Antarctic Research: A Workshop

Workshop

Completed

Elementary Particle Physics: Progress and Promise

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Advising NSF on its Efforts to Achieve the Nation’s Vision for the Materials Genome Initiative (DMREF)

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Review of FCC Order 20-48 Authorizing Operation of a Terrestrial Radio Network Near the GPS Frequency Bands

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Frontiers in Synthetic Moiré Quantum Matter

Workshop

Completed

Assessment of High Energy Density (HED) Physics

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

A Mid-Term Assessment of NSF Progress on the 2015 Strategic Vision for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Views on the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Key Goals and Innovations Needed for a U.S. Fusion Pilot Plant

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Frontiers in Memristive Materials for Neuromorphic Processing Applications: A Workshop

Workshop

Completed
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