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Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

The Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience. Our work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security.

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News and Updates

Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report

News Release

When astronauts set foot on Mars, it will be one of humanity’s greatest milestones, marking the start of a new era of discovery on another planet. A new National Academies report identifies the highest priority science objectives for the first human missions to Mars and says searching for evidence of existing or past life on the planet should be the top priority.

Dec 9, 2025
cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

DOE Should Develop AI-Based Foundation Models Fused with Traditional Computational Methods to Bring Paradigm Shift to Scientific Discovery

News Release

Foundation models are AI systems trained on vast amounts of data — often trillions of individual data points — and they are capable of learning new ways of modeling information and performing a range of tasks. A new National Academies report examines how the U.S. Department of Energy could use these models to potentially transform scientific discovery and innovation.

Dec 16, 2025
A 3D rendering background of various geometric shapes in blue and white, accented with orange spheres

Making Machine Learning Safer in High-Stakes Settings

Feature Story

Machine learning, a key enabler of artificial intelligence, is increasingly used for applications like self-driving cars, medical devices, and advanced robots that work near humans, all contexts where safety is of critical importance. A recent report and webinar explored how to improve the performance and safety of machine learning in these settings.

Oct 20, 2025
Aerial view of a bright orange car driving on a street. The car is next to a pedestrian crossing and in front of a stop line with the word "Stop" painted on the road. The car uses sensors and radar to detect the pedestrians. Concept of new car technology like autonomous driving.
About Events Projects Publications/Resources News and updates

Upcoming Events

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers - Meeting No. 3

  • January 20 - 22, 2026
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

This is an open meeting of the Committee on Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers. A livestream is available for virtual attendanc...

Optimizing Research on Experimental Prescribed Fires to Improve Understanding of Wildland Fire and Smoke Behavior: Meeting 4

  • January 20 - 21, 2026
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

On January 20, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET, the Committee on Optimizing Research on Experimental Prescribed Fires to Improve Understanding of Wildland Fire and Smoke Behavior will convene for a vi...

Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences - January Virtual Meeting

  • January 20, 2026
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

This is a virtual open session meeting of the Committee to brief the Director of NASA's Planetary Science Division on issues discussed at the 2025 Autumn meeting of CAPS. Livestream information will...

Sexual Assault at Sea: Meeting 5

  • January 22 - 23, 2026
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The Committee on Sexual Assault at Sea will hold a closed session on January 22-23, 2026.

Reenvisioning the Future of STEM Research at Emerging Research Institutions: A Summit (Meeting #3)

  • January 23, 2026
  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

This is the third meeting of the Planning Committee for the Summit on Reenvisioning the Future of STEM Research at Emerging Research Institutions. The committee will discuss topics for the public even...

On Being a Scientist Panel on Earning and Maintaining Trust: Meeting #2

  • January 23, 2026
  • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The second meeting of the On Being a Scientist Panel on Earning and Maintaining Trust will be held in closed session on January 23 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET.

Corrections and Retractions: Upgrading the Scientific Record Committee Meeting 6

  • January 28 - 29, 2026
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

This is the sixth meeting of the study committee for the consensus study on Corrections and Retractions: Upgrading the Scientific Record.

Organizational Models for the Cyber Forces of the U.S. Armed Forces Meeting #4

  • January 29 - 30, 2026
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The committee will conduct a site visit to US Cyber Command in Ft. Meade, MD.

On Being a Scientist Panel on Openness and Security: Meeting #2

  • February 2, 2026
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The second meeting of the On Being a Scientist Panel on Openness and Security will be held in closed session on February 2 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

2026 Core Member Annual Meeting: Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12

  • February 3 - 4, 2026
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

Members of the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 will meet over two days at the National Academy of Sciences' Building in Washington, DC to continue their work building...

Committee on Planetary Protection (Feb 3-4, 2026) Virtual Meeting on Enabling the Search for Life by Understanding Growth-Limiting Factors for Earth Microorganisms on Mars

  • February 3 - 4, 2026
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The National Academies’ Committee on Planetary Protection (CoPP) is hosting a 2-day virtual meeting on February 3-4, 2026, titled, “Enabling the Search for Life by Understanding Growth-Limiting Factor...

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space (A Dialogue on the Next Decadal Survey in Earth Science and Applications from Space)

  • February 3, 2026
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is convening a half-day session to engage private-sector leaders, decision-makers, and applied users of Earth observation data to help inf...

Understanding & Addressing Energy Affordability: Trends in U.S. Electricity Prices

  • February 4, 2026
  • 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)
  • Webinar
  • Upcoming

Increasing electricity prices for American consumers have garnered national attention in recent months, as residential prices are outpacing the rate of inflation in large regions of the country. With...

Education for Thriving in a Changing Climate, Committee Meeting #5

  • February 5 - 6, 2026
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The Committee on Education for Thriving in a Changing Climate is hosting its fifth meeting, which will include all closed sessions.

On Being a Scientist Panel on Collaborating Responsibly: Meeting #2

  • February 5, 2026
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Upcoming

The second meeting of the On Being a Scientist Panel on Collaborating Responsibly will be held in closed session on Febraury 5 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
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Past Events

Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics - Virtual Meeting January 16 2026

  • January 16, 2026
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

This is a virtual meeting of the CAA. Some sessions will be open and some will be closed. A livestream link is provided for virtual attendance. Livestream https://vimeo.com/event/5631760

On Being a Scientist Panel on Responsible Conduct and Stewardship of the Research Process: Meeting #2

  • January 16, 2026
  • 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

The second meeting of the On Being a Scientist Panel on Responsible Conduct and Stewardship of the Research Process will be held in closed session on January 16 from 12:00 to 2:30 PM ET.

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Human and Biological Science - Meeting #13

  • January 16, 2026
  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Past

The panel is meeting in closed session.

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers - Closed Meeting No. 19

  • January 16, 2026
  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Past

The committee is meeting in closed session.

Reenvisioning the Future of STEM Research at Emerging Research Institutions: A Summit (Meeting #2)

  • January 16, 2026
  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

This is the second meeting of the Planning Committee for the Summit on Reenvisioning the Future of STEM Research at Emerging Research Institutions. The committee will hear from the Representattives of...

Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change - Executive Meeting #5

  • January 15, 2026
  • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Past

Frontiers of Metastable Materials Development Using Artificial Intelligence: A Workshop - Meeting #1

  • January 15, 2026
  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Tele Conference
  • Past

This meeting is for the committee's bias and conflict discussion.

Roundtable for the Department of the Air Force’s Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy University Affiliated Research Center - Meeting 3

  • January 15, 2026
  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

Meeting of the roundtable to address standards and best practices across UARC institutions.

Condensed Matter and Materials Research Committee, Conversations with NSF and DOE

  • January 14, 2026
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Tele Conference
  • Past

This is a meeting of the CMMRC to connect with the committee's sponsors. A public agenda and connection information will be posted closer to the event date.

Assessing Radiation Exposure, Health Outcomes, and Mitigation Strategies for Flight Crewmembers Meeting 5 (Part 2)

  • January 14, 2026
  • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

Please join the National Academies on January 14, 2026 for an information-gathering session on radiation exposure to flight crewmembers aboard commercial airlines. The committee on assessing radiatio...

Expanded U.S. Electron Beam Usage in Sterilization and Irradiation Applications: Assessing Opportunities and Challenges Writing Meeting #2

  • January 13, 2026
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Past

The committee plans to meet to discuss finalizing the report.

Accelerating Climate Progress with AI: From Science to Action Workshop

  • January 13 - 14, 2026
  • Workshop
  • Past

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing frontiers in climate science, providing new insights into our understanding of the climate system and helping to transformation climate science into a...

Roundtable on Capability Development Planning and Technology Transition in the Department of the Air Force - Meeting 8

  • January 13, 2026
  • 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (EST)
  • Meeting
  • Past

Meeting of the roundtable focused on AFRL Integrated Development Planning

Future Directions for NSF’s Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (Meeting # 23)

  • January 12, 2026
  • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)
  • Closed
  • Meeting
  • Past

The committee will hear from breifers on Advanced Cyberinfrastructure.

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space - Fall Meeting follow-up

  • January 12 - 13, 2026
  • Meeting
  • Past

This is a follow-up to the October 27-29, 2025 meeting which was affected by the government shutdown. This meeting is to allow the committee to meet with NASA representatives. Livestream Day 1 https...
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