The Consensus and Advisory Studies Division conducts studies examining complex and controversial transportation issues at the request of the U.S. Congress, executive branch agencies, states, and other sponsors.

Studies address a variety of safety, economic, environmental, energy, and research policy issues affecting all modes of transportation. In addition, studies involving the Marine Board examine offshore engineering and regulatory issues, some of which are not directly related to transportation.

The studies are performed by special committees drawn from the nation's leading subject matter experts. The parent organization of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, appoints the study committees to achieve a balance of expertise and perspectives.

The study committees issue their findings and recommendations in either full-length reports or shorter letter reports, both of which are peer-reviewed according to institutional procedures. The U.S. Congress and the executive branch have adopted many recommendations from TRB consensus reports, attesting to the substantive value of the study process.

For additional information on TRB's Consensus and Advisory Studies Division, visit https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/programs/consensus-and-advisory-studies