NAS Symposium: Grand Challenges in Science

This symposium explored the potential benefits that might accrue, and pitfalls to be avoided, should the NAS develop a set of Grand Challenges in Science, a checklist of future civilization-shaping scientific questions to inspire the next generation of students. What are today’s big unknowns that will inspire the next generation of students and attract them to research careers? What are the characteristics of the 21st century educational programs that will equip students to address the major issues of our time? The symposium started with a panel of those who are familiar with other grand-challenge-type initiatives to discuss the lessons learned of how to make them successful. Then, a panel of future-thinking NAS members discussed major scientific themes that could be candidates for grand challenges. Finally, the last panel addressed the educational/cultural/infrastructural challenges to addressing the grand challenges.