Expert Reports
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.
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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
Meeting Critical Laboratory Needs for Animal Agriculture: Examination of Three Options (2012)
Outbreaks of animal disease can have catastrophic repercussions for animal agriculture, the food supply, and public health. Rapid detection, diagnosis and response, as well as development of new vaccines, are central to mitigating the impact of disease outbreaks. The proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a next-generation laboratory for animal disease diagnostics, training, and research that would provide core critica... More >>
Report in Brief
Evaluation of the Updated Site-Specific Risk Assessment for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas (2012)
The updated site-specific risk assessment for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility is a substantial improvement over the original 2010 site-specific risk assessment, but is still inadequate in fully characterizing the risks associated with operating a high biocontainment facility in Manhattan, Kansas. Many of the shortcomings identified in a 2010 National Research Council report have been addressed in this updated assessment and mor... More >>
Report in Brief
Continuing Assistance to the National Institutes of Health on Preparation of Additional Reisk Assessments for the Boston University NEIDL, Phase 3 (2011)
The penultimate draft of an assessment of the risks associated with opening the proposed National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory at Boston University is a substantial improvement over past documents reviewed in previous National Research Council reports. The risk assessment is now closer to reaching its goal of being "scientifically and technically sound" and, in general, addresses the concerns raised in previous National Researc... More >>