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Date: Aug. 26, 2009
Editor: Sharon Yep
"Reports & Events" is a monthly list of selected events open to the public and a listing of National Academies reports tentatively scheduled for release next month. A complete listing of events can be accessed at http://search.nap.edu/nap-cgi/events.cgi.
MEETINGS
Data on race, ethnicity, and language in health care
Aug. 31
(Washington, D.C.)
Setting the Standard for Race, Ethnicity, and Language Data: Collection for Health Care Quality Improvement, a new report from the Institute of Medicine, recommends how health organizations and providers can collect more detailed and useful data on patients' race, ethnicity, and language, as a first step toward understanding and addressing disparities in health care. The report will be released at a one-hour public briefing starting at 10 a.m. in the Lecture Room of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
Preparing female scientists and engineers for entrepreneurship
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
(Irvine, Calif.)
The National Research Council will hold a workshop to examine how female professionals transition from science and engineering to entrepreneurship, and to identify specific skill sets necessary for them to become successful in the business world. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 1 at the National Academies' Beckman Center, 100 Academy Dr. More information and an agenda are available at http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/cwsem/index.htm. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
K-12 engineering education
Sept. 8
(Washington, D.C.)
The National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council will hold a public briefing and symposium to release the new report “Engineering in K-12 Education: Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects,” which assesses the value of developing and implementing engineering curricula for kindergarten through grade 12. It also describes what engineering concepts children are able to understand and at what age, and provides an analysis of over a dozen engineering curriculum projects. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance. Those who cannot attend may listen to a live audio webcast of the symposium from 9 a.m. to noon and submit questions using an e-mail form available at the time of the event at http://national-academies.org. For an agenda and more information, visit http://www.nae.edu/Programs/TechnologicalLiteracy/K-12EngineeringEducation/engineeringink12.aspx.
CONTACTS: Randy Atkins, 202-334-1508 or e-mail atkins@nae.edu, or Nathan Kahl, 202-334-2226 or e-mail nkahl@nae.edu
Lowering health care costs and improving value
Sept. 9 and 10
(Washington, D.C.)
Can we reduce wasteful health care spending in the United States by 10 percent in 10 years? Several experts estimate that 20 percent or more of the nation’s spending on care does not contribute to better results for patients. The Institute of Medicine will host a workshop to explore the major causes of excess spending and waste and to consider ways to reduce inefficiencies while improving health outcomes. Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, will provide the keynote address, discussing strategies and policies that could lead to improvements. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Venable Conference Facility, 575 Seventh St., N.W. An agenda and registration are available online at http://www.iom.edu/CMS/28312/RT-EBM/71664.aspx.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
Research on the transmission of disease in airports and on aircraft
Sept. 17 and 18
(Washington D.C.)
A Transportation Research Board symposium will bring together national and international experts from academia, industry, and government to examine the state of research on disease transmission in airports and on aircraft. Participants will also discuss ways to translate research in this field into practical application of protocols or standards for use in air-travel settings, and future research that is still needed. More information and an agenda are available at http://www.trb.org/SpreadofDisease2009/Public/SpreadofDisease2009.aspx. The workshop will be held in Room 100 of the National Academies' Keck Center, 500 Fifth St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
Computation toxicology
Sept. 21 and 22
(Washington, D.C.)
The new science of computation toxicology may enhance scientists' capacity to estimate risk or an outcome associated with an individual's exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, and intersects the fields of toxicology, systems biology, biostatistics, and computer science. Moreover, its application provides a framework for modeling and simulation to validate and predict key aspects of biology that are difficult to analyze experimentally. This workshop will assess the state of the art in the field and review the practical application of the science. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 21 and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Sept. 22 in the Lecture Room of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. An agenda and registration information can be found at http://dels.nas.edu/envirohealth/comptox.shtml.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
News and terrorism
Sept. 23
(Baltimore)
This is the 17th workshop in a series focused on effectively communicating information in a crisis, particularly one involving terrorism. The project is a joint effort of the National Academies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation. Baltimore locals – including journalists, state officials, emergency managers, scientists, and engineering experts – will participate in a simulated response to a terrorist attack. It will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore, 20 West Baltimore St. For more information, visit http://www.rtnda.org/pages/media_items/news-and-terrorism-communicating-in-a-crisis324.php?id=324. Reporters who wish to attend must register in advance.
CONTACT: Randy Atkins, 202-334-1508 or e-mail <atkins@nae.edu>
Sustainable urban areas
Sept. 23
(Washington, D.C.)
The National Research Council will hold a forum to explore how government and private R&D programs can aid the development of environmentally and economically sustainable urban areas. Experts from agencies and academia will gather to discuss research gaps, needed analytical tools, and opportunities for collaboration. The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lecture Room of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
Scientific data for policymaking
Sept. 24
(Washington, D.C.)
One of the stated priorities of the Obama administration is to promote the use of scientific information in the development of policy. The National Research Council will hold a public symposium to provide a more detailed understanding of administration policies and programs that support this priority. The symposium, which will feature presentations from administration officials and a panel discussion, will run from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance.
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Information, 202-334-2138
National Academy of Engineering annual meeting
Oct. 3 to 5
(Irvine, Calif.)
The National Academy of Engineering will hold its annual meeting at the National Academies' Beckman Center in Irvine, Calif. Public events include the new member induction ceremony, the Founders Award and Bueche Award ceremonies, the Gordon Prize recipients lecture, and the symposium "Rebuilding a Real Economy: Unleashing Engineering Innovation."
CONTACT: Randy Atkins, 202-334-1508 or e-mail <atkins@nae.edu>
REPORTS
The following reports from the National Academies are tentatively scheduled for release in September. However, release dates depend on successful completion of the review process and publishing schedules. Reporters who would like to be notified when a report is due for release should contact the Office of News and Public Information -- 202-334-2138 or e-mail <news@nas.edu> -- and ask to be placed on the contact list.
EDUCATION
Nurturing and Sustaining Effective Programs in Science Education for Grades K-8: Building a Village in California -- Summary of a Convocation
[National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering]
Summarizes an April symposium that brought together key stakeholders in California's science education system to explore ways to better support and communicate promising research and practices in K-8 science education.
ENVIRONMENT
Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions
[National Research Council]
Examines how land-development patterns (e.g., suburbanization versus high-density, urban environments) can impact vehicle use. The report also describes how high-density, compact development in the U.S. could affect petroleum dependence and CO2 emissions.
Frontiers in Soil Science Research -- Report of a Workshop
[National Research Council]
Summarizes a 2005 workshop that brought together experts in soil science to identify key research challenges and expected advances in the field.
Global Sources of Local Pollution
[National Research Council]
Examines the long-range international flows of air pollutants into and out of the United States -- such as those transported from Asia to North America or from North America to Europe -- and considers the impact on air-quality policy objectives and on regional and global climate change.
Hidden Costs of Energy: Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use
[National Research Council]
Evaluates the total costs of energy -- including its production, distribution, and consumption -- from using coal, natural gas, fossil fuel, and other sources that are not reflected in market prices or current policies.
Review of Response to Petitions to Reclassify the Light-Brown Apple Moth as a Non-Actionable Pest
[National Research Council]
Examines the classification of the Light-Brown Apple Moth -- a species from Australia that was found in California in 2007 -- by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as an actionable pest, which qualifies for quarantine restrictions and eradication.
HEALTH
Addressing the Threat of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Realistic Assessment of the Challenge -- Workshop Summary
[Institute of Medicine]
This document summarizes a workshop that assessed the global fight against tuberculosis and what strategies will be needed to confront the increase of drug-resistant strains.
Assessing and Improving Value in Cancer Care -- Workshop Summary
[Institute of Medicine]
Oncology is an area of rapid growth, both in terms of technological innovation and treatment costs. Concerns over the balance between escalating costs and clinical benefits have been characterized as questions of health care "value." This document summarizes participants' discussions at a workshop that explored the implications of value considerations in cancer care at different levels, from the patient bedside to the evidence base to payment systems.
Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity
[Institute of Medicine and National Research Council]
Obesity is one of the most serious and costly health challenges facing the nation. Local officials play a crucial role in the effort to reduce childhood obesity rates by shaping environments that make it either easy or hard for children to eat healthy and be physically active. This report offers community-level strategies that officials can use to help cut these rates.
Nanotechnology in Food Products: Impact on Food Science, Nutrition, and the Consumer -- Workshop Summary
[Institute of Medicine]
Summarizes participants' discussions at a workshop on applications of nanotechnology for use in foods and targeted delivery of nutrients into the human body. The workshop considered the safety and efficacy of foods and food products enhanced or modified with nanotechnology, societal and policy issues, and consumer concerns and education efforts.
Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers in the Workplace against Novel H1N1 Influenza A
[Institute of Medicine]
If the new pandemic flu virus creates a surge of patients during the upcoming flu season, it will be critical to protect health care workers given their role in treating sick people and lessening the pandemic's overall impact. This report recommends the best means to guard health care workers against respiratory infection.
Setting the Standard for Race, Ethnicity, and Language Data: Collection for Health Care Quality Improvement
[Institute of Medicine]
Health care organizations need data on patients' race, ethnicity, and language preferences to identify and eliminate disparities in quality of care, but data collection is complicated by a lack of standardization. This report defines a standard set of categories and methods for obtaining this information.
Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases
[Institute of Medicine]
Zoonotic diseases -- infectious agents that originate in animals and jump to people -- can take a heavy social, health, and economic toll. This report evaluates the current capacity worldwide to detect and respond to emerging species-crossing diseases and recommends steps needed to improve international capabilities and cooperation.
SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISE
The National Research Council reviews technical and scientific work done in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s laboratories to ensure their scientific integrity and the role they play in promoting economic growth in the U.S. through development and application of technology, measurements, and standards. The Research Council will release the following reports:
-- An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
-- An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research
-- An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory
-- An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
-- An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Information Technology Laboratory
A New Biology for the 21st Century
[National Research Council]
Explores the current state of biological research in the United States and recommends how the field can capitalize on recent technological and scientific advances.
Laboratory Security and Personnel Assurance Systems for Laboratories Conducting Research on Biological Select Agents and Toxins
[National Research Council]
Examines the effectiveness of regulations and procedures that laboratories conducting research on biological agents and toxins implement to protect against external and internal threats, excluding accidental releases.
Workshop Summary on Uncertainty Management in Remote Sensing of Climate Data
[National Research Council]
Presents an overview of a workshop that examined sources of uncertainty throughout satellite and other remote data collection systems, including issues of sampling, scale, processing, and validation. The report will not include any findings or recommendations.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Distinctive Voices@The Jonsson Center
(Woods Hole, Mass.)
These public events at the Jonsson Center explore the far-reaching role of science, technology, and medicine in our lives. Upcoming programs include:
-- Sustainability: The Path Forward? (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.)
-- Doomsday Vaults and the Future of Food (Sept. 28, 7 p.m.)
-- Weaving American Indian Perspectives into the Study of Weather and Climate (Oct.1, 7 p.m.)
For more information, visit http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Jonsson_Upcoming_Events
CONTACT: Margaret Collins, 508-548-2502 or e-mail <mcollins@nas.edu>
Distinctive Voices@The Beckman Center
(Irvine, Calif.)
These public events at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center explore the far-reaching role of science, technology, and medicine in our lives. Upcoming programs include lectures by:
-- Bruce Alberts, Ph.D., former president of the National Academy of Sciences and editor in chief of the journal Science (Sept. 15, 7 p.m.)
-- "Mathemagician" Arthur Benjamin, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, Harvey Mudd College (Sept. 30, 7 p.m.)
More information is available online at http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Beckman_main
CONTACT: Susan Marty, 949-721-2213 or e-mail <voicesatbeckman@nas.edu>
Announcement of 2009 Communication Award Winners
Each year the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative presents four $20,000 awards for excellence in reporting and communicating science, engineering, or medicine to the general public. This year's winners will be announced in late September at http://national-academies.org. The Futures Initiative will honor the recipients at a ceremony on Nov. 19 at the National Academies' Beckman Center in Irvine, Calif., during the conference "Synthetic Biology: Building on Nature's Inspiration." More information about the awards and conference is available at www.keckfutures.org.
CONTACT: Maureen O'Leary, 202-334-2138 or e-mail <moleary@nas.edu>
Deborah Tannen on Sisterspeak
(Washington, D.C.)
Best-selling author and professor of linguistics at Georgetown University, Deborah Tannen shares insights, anecdotes, and practical solutions to help us understand sister relationships. This lecture, co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Resident Associates, will take place Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Tickets are required. For more information, visit http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=218160&utm_source=RAad&utm_medium=OAtsa&utm_content=mwX&utm_campaign=MayWe&autologin=true.
CONTACT: Maureen O'Leary, 202-334-2138 or e-mail <moleary@nas.edu>
A Simple Explanation of Complexity Science
(Washington, D.C.)
Melanie Mitchell, author and professor of computer science at Portland State University, provides a detailed tour of the science of complexity, which seeks to explain how large-scale organized, and adaptive behavior emerges from simple interactions among myriad individuals. The lecture, co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Resident Associates, will take place on Sept. 17 at 6:45 p.m. at National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W. Tickets are required. For more information, visit http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=217948.
CONTACT: Maureen O'Leary, 202-334-2138 or e-mail <moleary@nas.edu>
RESOURCES FOR REPORTERS
Science, medicine, and technology form the basis for many of the day's top news stories. Whether you are looking for background or searching for a different angle, check out http://national-academies.org/headlines.
Check out podcasts from the National Academies on all areas of science, engineering, and medicine at http://national-academies.org/podcast/, booklets at http://national-academies.org/publications/#booklets, and resources on evolution at http://national-academies.org/evolution/.
View the most recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences articles online by visiting This Week in Early Edition at http://www.pnas.org/site/misc/highlights.shtml, or PNAS in the News at http://www.pnas.org/site/misc/news.shtml. Journalists may register to receive embargoed material by contacting the PNAS News Office at <pnasnews@nas.edu>.
This guide, along with news releases and other documents from the Office of News and Public Information, is available on the Internet at http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/bydate.aspx.
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