Computer Science: Reflections on the Field; Reflections from the Field (CSTB)

The widespread presence of computers and related information technology in has helped obscure the nature of computer science research making that situation possible. Those outside the field tend to see computer science as a support tool and not as a major area of research. To help correct these perceptions, the National Science Foundation asked the NRC to conduct a study that would improve understanding of computer science research among the scientists, policymakers, and the general public and describe what the future might hold. This report presents the result of that study. The report is in two parts: the first is a description by the study committee of the key ideas lying at the core of computer science, and the second is a collection of essays describing aspects of computer science research and some of its results from the perspectives of the essays’ authors.

Methodology for Estimating Prospective Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy R&D-Letter Report (BEES)

Since its inception in 1977, the Department of Energy has invested substantial sums in energy efficiency and fossil energy R&D. To monitor its effectiveness, the agency and Congress have, over the years, pursued evaluation of these R&D programs that focuses on its cost and benefits. Such evaluation, however, is difficult and must incorporate the full range of public benefits as well as what might happen if that R&D had not been funded by the federal government. To help address these challenges, and at the direction of Congress, DOE asked the NRC to develop a methodology for evaluating the prospective benefits of its fossil energy and energy efficiency R&D programs. Such methodology can be used to evaluate program management and funding decisions on an ongoing basis. This letter report provides an overview of the studies approach and how it differs from retrospective studies of this R&D previously carried out by the NRC. A final report is expected to be completed in February 2005.

Getting up to Speed: The Future of Supercomputing (CSTB)

Supercomputers play a significant and growing role in a variety of areas important to the nation. They are used to address challenging science and technology problems. In recent years, however, progress in supercomputing in the United States has slowed. The development of the Earth Simulator supercomputer by Japan that the United States could lose its competitive advantage and, more importantly, the national competence needed to achieve national goals. In the wake of this development, the Department of Energy asked the NRC to assess the state of U.S. supercomputing capabilities and relevant R&D. Subsequently, the Senate directed DOE in S. Rpt. 107-220 to ask the NRC to evaluate the Advanced Simulation and Computing program of the National Nuclear Security Administration at DOE in light of the development of the Earth Simulator. This report provides an assessment of the current status of supercomputing in the United States including a review of current demand and technology, infrastructure and institutions, and international activities. The report also presents a number of recommendations to enable the United States to meet current and future needs for capability supercomputers.