Projects, Publications, Meetings & Donors to the Academy 2016–2017
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Projects, Publications, Meetings & Donors to the Academy 2016–2017 With Appreciation . Academy projects, publications, and meetings are supported by gifts and grants from Members, friends, foundations, corporations, Affiliates, and other funding agencies. The Academy expresses its deep appreciation for this support and to the many Members who contribute to its work. Published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, September 2016 Contents From the President 3 Projects, Publications & Meetings Science, Engineering, and Technology Overview 4 New Models for U.S. Science & Technology Policy 4 The Public Face of Science 7 Human Performance Enhancement 11 The Alternative Energy Future 13 Global Security and International Affairs Overview 16 New Dilemmas in Ethics, Technology, and War 17 The Global Nuclear Future 21 Civil Wars, Violence, and International Responses 27 Understanding the New Nuclear Age 30 The Humanities, Arts, and Education Overview 33 Commission on the Future of Undergraduate Education 33 Commission on Language Learning 38 The Lincoln Project: Excellence and Access in Public Higher Education 41 Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences 47 The Humanities Indicators 48 Exploratory Initiatives 51 Regional Program Committees 56 Discussion Groups 59 Meetings and Events 61 Affiliates of the American Academy 72 Donors to the Academy 75 From the President dvancing knowledge and learning in service to the nation has been the mission A of the Academy since its founding in 1780. Through the study of social and scien- tific problems and opportunities, the Academy provides critical thinking on the most pressing challenges facing the country and the world. As you will see in the pages that follow, the Academy is exploring issues from the future of undergraduate education, to the nation’s language education needs, to the governance of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty regime, to the new ethical dilemmas created by contemporary political developments and changes in military technology, to the complex and evolving relationship between scientists and the public, to the importance of federally supported basic research that is critical for driving innovation and ensuring economic opportunities. These studies draw on the intellectual resources of hundreds of our members and involve many collaborating organizations–both national and international. Our work engages members and other experts from diverse professions and disciplines and brings them together to address critical issues facing our global society. We are grateful to the many members who contribute to and participate in the Acade- my’s projects, publications, and programs. This support gives the Academy the inde- pendence to pursue important issues that advance the common good. None of this work would be possible without the efforts of a talented and dedicated staff. As always, I welcome your questions about the Academy and suggestions for its future. Science,Science, Engineering, Engineering, and Technology and Technology 4 cademy projects in Science, Engineering, and Technology advance critical thinking about A the evolving landscape for scientific research. Drawing on the expertise of leading scientists, policy-makers, social scientists, humanists, and technical experts from both academia and indus- try, the studies explore how science and technology are changing, how to help the public under- stand those changes, and how society can better adapt to those changes. Areas of interest include the nation’s productivity in science and technology; the social and regulatory factors that influ- ence the adoption of new technologies; and public understanding of, and trust in, science. New Models for U.S. Science & Technology Policy PROJECTS, PUBLICATIONS & MEETINGS PROJECTS, PUBLICATIONS In September 2014, the New Models for U.S. Science Several initiatives have emerged in response to Restoring and Technology Policy commission issued its report, the Foundation. In June 2015, the Academy joined with a Restoring the Foundation: The Vital Role of Research in Pre- coalition of organizations in issuing “Innovation: An serving the American Dream. The report underscored the American Imperative,” a statement in support of several importance of federally supported research, particularly of the report’s key recommendations. The leaders of basic research, that is critical for driving innovation nine large U.S. corporations signed the call to action, and ensuring economic opportunities. The report also which urged Congress to enact policies and make invest- called for long-term planning and sustainability for the ments to ensure that the United States remains the nation’s research enterprise. global innovation leader. Over five hundred organiza- tions from all fifty states have endorsed the call to action. In today’s fast-paced, high-tech, knowledge-based economy, staying globally competitive requires inno- In October 2015, members of the Innovation Imperative vation and rapid integration of new knowledge and coalition held a public symposium on Capitol Hill, at technologies that emerge from investments in research which industry leaders discussed federal policies and and development. The Restoring the Foundation report and investments that would promote innovation, stimu- subsequent follow-up efforts urged a greater focus on the late economic growth and prosperity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the U.S. research enterprise country’s health and national security. In January 2016, a and offered recommendations in three areas that will bipartisan group of members from both houses of Con- be critical for securing America’s leadership in science, gress sent a letter to their colleagues that underscored engineering, and technology in the twenty-first century: the importance of several policy prescriptions set forth in the Restoring the Foundation report and reaffirmed by • Secure America’s Leadership in Science and Engineering the Innovation Imperative call to action. Research–Especially Basic Research–by Providing Sustain- able Federal Investments. America is falling behind in Most recently, Jeannette M. Wing, Corporate Vice innovation by failing to make sustainable long-term President at Microsoft Research, delivered testimony investments needed to remain the global leader in on Restoring the Foundation before the Senate Committee industry and commerce. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to further • Ensure that the American People Receive the Maximum elevate the profile of the report’s recommendations for Benefit from Federal Investments in Research. Many current enhancing the U.S. research enterprise. The Commerce policies and practices in government, industry, and Committee subsequently approved legislation that universities have become overly burdensome and addresses several of the report’s recommendations, diminish the productivity of the research system. including affirming the value of peer review and reduc- ing administrative burdens on researchers. • Regain America’s Standing as an Innovation Leader by Establishing a More Robust National Government- The Academy continues to work with other organi- University-Industry Research Partnership. The United zations to raise the profile of science and engineering States is in need of a new kind of research partnership research. that includes government (federal and state), uni- versities (public and private), and industry, as well as philanthropy and private foundations, in which each sector supports the nation’s science and technology research enterprise. 5 New Models for U.S. Science & Technology Policy Project Chairs BART GORDON SUBRA SURESH K&L Gates; formerly, U.S. House of Carnegie Mellon University NORMAN R. AUGUSTINE Representatives Lockheed Martin Corporation, ret. SHIRLEY M. TILGHMAN M.R.C. GREENWOOD Princeton University NEAL LANE University of Hawaii System, ret. Rice University JEANNETTE M. WING JOHN L. HENNESSY Microsoft Research Project Members Stanford University ELIAS ZERHOUNI NANCY C. ANDREWS CHARLES O. HOLLIDAY, JR. Sanofi Duke University School of Medicine Shell; formerly, Bank of America; formerly, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Project Advisors & MEETINGS PROJECTS, PUBLICATIONS JOHN E. BRYSON Company formerly, U.S. Department of Commerce; JOHN C. CROWLEY formerly, Edison International PETER S. KIM Charlottesville, VA Stanford University; formerly, Merck KIRSTIN MATTHEWS THOMAS R. CECH Research Laboratories University of Colorado Boulder; formerly, Rice University Howard Hughes Medical Institute DANA MEAD MIT Corporation Project Staff STEVEN CHU Stanford University; formerly, RICHARD A. MESERVE JOHN RANDELL U.S. Department of Energy Covington & Burling LLP; formerly, SHALIN JYOTISHI Carnegie Institution for Science JARED COHON ALISON LEAF Carnegie Mellon University C. D. MOTE, JR. KEERTHI SHETTY National Academy of Engineering; JAMES J. DUDERSTADT University of Maryland Funders University of Michigan VENKATESH NARAYANAMURTI Louise Henry Bryson and John E. Bryson MARK C. FISHMAN Harvard University Novartis Institutes for BioMedical John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Research MAXINE L. SAVITZ Foundation Honeywell Inc., ret. SYLVESTER JAMES GATES, JR. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation University of Maryland ROBERT F. SPROULL Simons Foundation University of Massachusetts, Amherst; formerly, Oracle Corporation Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Publication Restoring the Foundation: The Vital Role of Research in Pre- serving the American Dream (American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2014) Science,Science,