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On August 18-19, 2022, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) held a symposium to explore how support of fundamental engineering and engineering education research by the National Science Foundation (NSF) has led to positive societal and economic impacts. The symposium - which was sponsored by the NSF Directorate for Engineering - was held to provide input to the NAE Committee on Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society as part of a larger effort to develop clear, compelling narratives for the public about the sources and effects of engineering innovations. Speakers at the symposium shared their personal stories and provided insights on how engineers influence not only technology and the national infrastructure but the economy, population health, manufacturing, disaster resilience, and many other aspects of daily life. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the symposium.

The responsible conduct of research (RCR) is foundational to good science and engineering. However, there are several serious detrimental effects of research not conducted ethically and responsibly. Thus, federal legislation mandates that all National Science Foundation (NSF) grant recipients provide adequate training for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers about the Responsible Conduct of Research, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) further specifies that topics such as conflict of interest, mentor/mentee responsibilities and relationships, collaborative research, and safe laboratory practices should be included in all instruction in RCR.

To identify and disseminate information about exemplary RCR education practices and programs, the National Academy of Engineering convened a virtual workshop series October 6, 7, 20, and 21, 2021. This workshop provided a forum for interdisciplinary discussions of effective strategies for building an RCR culture in institutions along with potential improvements and further research in the area. It also highlighted selected exemplar RCR programs for administrators and faculty who are charged with RCR education and compliance at the institutional level. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.

Despite calls to increase diversity throughout the engineering education enterprise and years of efforts by and collaborations between universities, K-12 schools, and professional societies and other education- or equity-related organizations, Black or African-American individuals, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, and Hispanic or Latine individuals of any race do not participate in engineering education and occupations at parity, defined as the same proportions as their representation in the US population.

To review current and past efforts and explore ways to progress to a more diverse engineering profession and reach parity in comparison to the US population, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) convened a virtual 3-day workshop series on March 18, March 30, and April 20, 2022. Attendees considered existing collaborations between extramural initiatives that support engineering student success and universities seeking to recruit and retain these students in undergraduate and advanced engineering education. Participants also shared potential new approaches for enhancing coordination among the various levels of the engineering education system to reach parity. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.

The National Academy of Engineering convened a three-day workshop from May 24-26, 2021, which sought to define directions for future research on best practices, metrics, and policies that promote diversity in engineering and how they fit into the larger system of recruiting and retaining engineering students from all backgrounds. Workshop discussions examined the system of higher education admissions, transfer and 3+2 programs, research on admissions, and the advantages of and concerns with using artificial intelligence and data science tools in recruiting, admissions, and retention. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions of the workshop.

Schools, workplaces, businesses, and even homes are places where someone could be subjected to particulate matter (PM) – a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM is a ubiquitous pollutant comprising a complex and ever-changing combination of chemicals, dust, and biologic materials such as allergens. Of special concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), PM with a diameter of 2.5 microns (<0.0001 inch) or smaller. Fine PM is small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, and the smallest fraction of it, ultrafine particles (UFPs), or particles with diameters less than 0.1 micron, can exert neurotoxic effects on the brain. Overwhelming evidence exists that exposure to PM2.5 of outdoor origin is associated with a range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and psychiatric, and endocrine disorders as well as poor birth outcomes, with the burden of these effects falling more heavily on underserved and marginalized communities.

Health Risks of Indoor Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Practical Mitigation Solutions explores the state-of the-science on the health risks of exposure to fine particulate matter indoors along with engineering solutions and interventions to reduce risks of exposure to it, including practical mitigation strategies. This report offers recommendations to reduce population exposure to PM2.5, to reduce health impacts on susceptible populations including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions, and to address important knowledge gaps.

Engineering advances economic growth, enhances manufacturing capacity, enhances infrastructure resilience, improves healthcare, and strengthens national security. However, the impact of engineering research - and, by extension, engineering education - is often hidden from the public eye. Promoting comprehension of how engineering affects society is thus a crucial aspect of garnering and sustaining public backing of policies aimed at ensuring that technology continues to serve the greater good of humanity. One part of this effort is highlighting the pivotal role of federal support of engineering research. Such support furnishes researchers with the necessary resources to pursue ambitious projects, fostering exploration into fundamental questions, groundbreaking technology and engineered systems developments, and practical applications.

Since its inception in 1950, the National Science Foundation (NSF)—an independent federal agency—has played a critical role in funding cutting-edge research, including in engineering. At the request of NSF, Impacts of National Science Foundation Engineering Research Support on Society explores how investment in engineering research and education has led to positive societal impacts, focusing on the stories of the people responsible for these impacts. This report presents clear, compelling narratives for the public about the sources and effects of engineering innovations and offer recommendations on how to bring this information to the attention of diverse audiences.