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Committee on Science, Technology, and Law

The National Academies established the Committee on Science, Technology, and Law in 1998 to bring together the science and engineering community and the legal community to explore pressing issues, improve communication and help resolve issues. Under the leadership of co-chairs Dr. Harold Varmus and Professor Martha Minow, the committee meets twice a year in a neutral and non-adversarial setting to discuss critical issues at the interface of science, technology, and the law; to promote understanding; and to develop imaginative approaches to solving problems of mutual concern.

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News and Updates

NEW PUBLICATION: Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, Fourth Edition

Update

Jan 7, 2026

New Publication on Strengthening the U.S. Medicolegal Death Investigation System: Lessons from Death in Custody

Update

Nov 21, 2025
A closeup of the locking mechanism of a closed jail cell with welded iron bars on a dimly lit dark background - 3D render

Apply for a 2026 CSTL Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship

Update

Nov 20, 2025
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News and updates

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National Academies Welcome Inaugural Cohort of Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Fellows

News Release

Ten fellows will join the National Academies’ new Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Program, launched recently to engage early-career professionals in developing the evidence basis needed to meet future regulatory challenges presented by novel products of biotechnology. These fellows will identify possible regulatory frameworks for the cutting-edge products expected to emerge over the next several decades and provide government agencies with options for effective regulation.

Feb 2, 2026

Scientist pipetting DNA sample into eppendorf tube

NEW PUBLICATION: Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, Fourth Edition

Update

Jan 7, 2026

New Publication on Strengthening the U.S. Medicolegal Death Investigation System: Lessons from Death in Custody

Update

Nov 21, 2025

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

Apply for a 2026 CSTL Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship

Update

Nov 20, 2025

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

Optimizing Federal, State, and Local Response to Public Health Emergencies: Lessons from COVID

Update

On October 10, 2024, CSTL released the proceedings of its May 30-31, 2024 workshop Optimizing Federal, State, and Local Response to Public Health Emergencies.

Oct 29, 2025

Publication - Release of Proceedings of Workshop on Evolving Technological, Legal and Social Solutions to Counter Disinformation in Social Media

Update

Jun 2, 2025

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Publication - Understanding Implicit Bias: Insights & Innovations

Update

Feb 3, 2025

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

Update

Feb 3, 2025

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Event - Optimizing Federal, State, and Local Response to Public Health Emergencies: A Workshop

Update

Oct 9, 2024

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Event - Evolving Technological, Legal and Social Solutions to Counter Disinformation in Social Media: A Workshop

Update

Apr 29, 2024

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Brainstorming Solutions to Disinformation

Feature Story

Students, researchers, organizations, and companies are developing innovative methods to fight the flood of disinformation on social media, some of which were explored at a recent National Academies workshop. The event aimed to prompt discussion and collaboration and catalyze further development of solutions.

Apr 29, 2024

Upcoming Workshop Will Explore New Ideas for Countering Disinformation

Feature Story

A National Academies workshop will bring together a wide range of participants on April 10-11 to explore actionable technological, legal, educational, and social science solutions to identify and counter disinformation on social media. The event will investigate promising ideas that the workshop planning committee selected from more than 100 submissions.

Apr 5, 2024

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

Publication - Facial Recognition Technology: Current Capabilities, Future Prospects, and Governance

Update

Jan 11, 2024

Publication - PNAS Feature Explores Science and Law

Update

Oct 4, 2023

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Event - The Food and Drug Administration's Accelerated Approval Process for New Pharmaceuticals - A Workshop

Update

Jul 12, 2023

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Publication - Release of Proceedings of Workshop on Food and Drug Administration's Accelerated Approval Process for New Pharmaceuticals

Update

Jul 11, 2023

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