Controlling the Quantum World of Atoms, Molecules, and Photons: An Interim Report (BPA)

Released 11/15/05

As part of its Physics 2010 decadal survey, the NRC has undertaken a study of opportunities in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology over roughly the next decade. This study has been requested by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. They asked the NRC to assess the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. A final report on this study is expected in the summer 2006. This interim report provides a preview of the final document. It presents a summary of the key opportunities in forefront AMO science and in closely related technologies, and a discussion of some of the broad-scale conclusions of the final report. The interim report also describes how AMO science supports national R&D priorities.

Globalization of Materials R&D: Time for a National Strategy (NMAB)

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) R&D is spreading globally at an accelerating rate. As a result, the relative U.S. position in a number of MSE subfields is in a state of flux. To understand better this trend and its implications for the U.S. economy and national security, the Department of Defense (DOD) asked the NRC to assess the status and impacts of the global spread of MSE R&D. This report presents a discussion of drivers affecting U.S. companies’ decisions about location of MSE R&D, an analysis of impacts on the U.S. economy and national security, and recommendations to ensure continued U.S. access to critical MSE R&D.

Report Summary

Review of the Research Program of the FreedomCar and Fuel Partnership: First Report (BEES)

The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership is a collaborative effort among the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), and five major energy companies to manage research that will enable the vision of “a clean and sustainable transportation energy future.” It envisions a transition from more efficient internal combustion engines (ICEs), to advanced ICE hybrid electric vehicles, to enabling a private-sector decision by 2015 on hydrogen-fueled vehicle development. This report, which builds on an earlier NRC report, The Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities, Costs, Barriers, and R&D Needs, presents an evaluation of the Partnershisp’s research efforts on hydrogen-fueled transportation systems, and provides findings and recommendations about technical directions, strategies, funding, and management.

Report Summary

2003-2004 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory (ARLTAB)

Released 06/15/05

In 1995, the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) asked the NRC to perform an annual review of the scientific and technical quality of the lab. In particular, ARL requested findings and recommendations about the quality and appropriateness of the R&D for each of the lab’s technical areas. In 1999, the review was changed to biennial. The current report is the third in that series and presents an assessment of the quality of work being performed by the Lab. It also gives an assessment of ARL’s response to the 2001-2002 review, a discussion of how well ARL personnel connects with similar work in other organizations, and an analysis of specific opportunities for and challenges facing the lab.

Mathematics and 21st Century Biology (BMSA)

The exponentially increasing amounts of biological data along with comparable advances in computing power are making possible the construction of quantitative, predictive biological systems’ models. To assist this development, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) asked the NRC to recommend mathematical research activities to enable more effective use of the large amounts of genomic and the structural and functional genomic information now being created. This report provides a broad, scientifically based view of the opportunities lying at the mathematical science and biology interface. It presents a review of past successes, an examination of opportunities at the various levels of biological systems, an analysis of cross-cutting themes, and recommendations to advance the mathematics-biology connection applicable to all relevant research funding agencies.

Report Summary

Opportunities in High Magnetic Field Science (BPA)

Released 01/14/05

High-field magnets—those that operate at the limits of the mechanical and/or electromagnetic properties of their structural materials—are used as research tools in a variety of scientific disciplines. The study of high magnetic fields themselves is also important in many areas such as astrophysics. Because of their importance in scientific research and the possibility of new breakthroughs, the National Science Foundation asked the National Research Council to assess the current state of and future prospects for high-field science and technology in the United States. This report presents the results of that assessment. It focuses on scientific and technological challenges and opportunities, and not on specific program activities. The report provides findings and recommendations about important research directions, the relative strength of U.S. efforts compared to other countries, and ways in which the program can operate more effectively.

Review of Physical Science Proposals to the 2005 Wright Centers of Innovation Competition of the State of Ohio - Letter Report and Final Letter Report (ASEB)

Released 01/11/05 and 05/11/05

The NRC was asked by the State of Ohio to 1) review proposals to three Ohio grants programs for 2005: the Biomedical Research and Technology Transfer (BRTT) Partnership Awards, the Wright Center of Innovation, and Eminent Scholars; 2) to conduct one- and two-year progress reviews of recipients of previously-made awards; and 3) organize a planning workshop to examine how to evaluate the Ohio Third Frontier Program. This report provides the response to part one. It presents the NRC assessment of how well submitted proposals met the award programs' evaluation criteria and priorities, and identified proposals that appeared to have the greatest merit for the state of Ohio to consider for possible funding.