Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society

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.

Table of Contents

Front Matter 1 Symposium Introduction and Keynote Presentations 2 NSF and Its Role in Fostering Extraordinary EngineeringImpacts on Society 3 People Who Brought About Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society 4 NSF Centers That Catalyzed Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society 5 NSF Processes That Fostered Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society 6 Symposium Conclusion References Appendix A: Agenda Symposium on Extraordinary Engineering Impacts on Society Appendix B: Biographic Sketches of Symposium Speakers Appendix C: Biographic Sketches of Committee Members and Project Staff