Chemical Sciences and Technology: Expert Reports
The division produces 60-70 reports per year. These reports are unique, authoritative expert evaluations. Each report is produced by a committee of experts selected by the Academy to address a particular statement of task and is subject to a rigorous, independent peer review. The experts who volunteer their time participating on study committees are vetted to make sure that the committee has the range of expertise needed to address the task, that they have a balance of perspectives, and to identify and eliminate members with conflicts of interest. All reports undergo a rigorous, independent peer review to assure that the statement of task has been addressed, that conclusions are adequately supported, and that all important issues raised by the reviewers are addressed. Thus, while the reports represent views of the committee, they also are endorsed by the Academy.
Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States (2012)
Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternativ... More >>
Report in Brief
Determining Core Capabilities in Chemical and Biological Defense Science and Technology (2012)
With the goal of providing world-class capabilities to allow the nation's armed forces to fight chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attack, the U.S. Department of Defense's Chemical and Biological Defense Program must continuously evolve to keep up with the changing nature of conflict and rapid advances in science and technology. This report identifies the core capabilities that must be supported by the program, and identifie... More >>
Transforming Glycoscience: A Roadmap for the Future (2012)
A new focus on glycoscience, a field that explores the structures and functions of sugars, promises great advances in areas as diverse as medicine, energy generation, and materials science, this report finds. Glycans—also known as carbohydrates, saccharides, or simply as sugars—play central roles in many biological processes and have properties useful in an array of applications. However, glycans have received little attention from the researc... More >>
Report in Brief
Assuring a Future U.S.-Based Nuclear and Radiochemistry Expertise (2012)
Q&A with the Committee Chair >> Despite the growing use of nuclear medicine, the potential expansion of nuclear power generation, and the urgent need to protect the nation against nuclear threats and manage nuclear wastes generated in past decades, the number of students opting to specialize in nuclear and radiochemistry has decreased significantly over the past few decades. Now, with many experts in these topics approaching retirement age... More >>
Report in Brief
The Use and Storage of Methyl Isocyanate at Bayer CropScience (2012)
The use of hazardous chemicals such as methyl isocyanate can be a significant concern to the residents of communities adjacent to chemical facilities, but is often an integral, necessary part of the chemical manufacturing process. In order to ensure that chemical manufacturing takes place in a manner that is safe for workers, members of the local community, and the environment, the philosophy of inherently safer processing can be used t... More >>
Report in Brief