Physics of the Cosmos
29 June 2026
Suggestions Due 13 July 2026
The National Academies’ decadal survey, Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s (Astro2020), identifies the most compelling science challenges and frontiers in astronomy and astrophysics and presents a comprehensive research strategy to advance the field over the next decade and beyond. The National Academies are seeking suggestions for experts to participate in a new study to review the responses of NASA’s Astrophysics program, NSF’s Astronomy program, and DOE’s Cosmic Frontiers program to recommendations from the decadal survey. The committee will review the scientific and technical landscape since the publication of Astro2020, assess the extent to which the programs of the relevant agencies align with the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in Astro2020 in the context of current strategic priorities and budgets thus far allotted, and recommend actions that maximize scientific return.
Using these suggestions, the National Academies will be looking to build a committee of approximately 15 volunteer experts in addition to collecting information for potential speakers, participants, and peer reviewers for any publications resulting from the activity. Based on the Statement of Task, we are looking for expertise particularly in the following areas:
Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena
Cosmology
Galaxies
Exoplanets, Astrobiology, and the Solar System
Interstellar Medium and Star and Planet Formation
Stars, the Sun, and Stellar Populations
An Enabling Foundation for Research (e.g., theory, computation, and simulation; data collection, archiving, and analysis; facilities, funding, and programs; laboratory astrophysics; general technology development)
Electromagnetic Observations from Space
Optical and Infrared Observations from the Ground
Particle Astrophysics and Gravitation
Radio, Millimeter and Submillimeter Observations from the Ground
State of the Profession and Societal Impacts
Please submit your suggestions by 13 July 2026.
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