Revolutions in Science: Discovery, Imagination, and the Future

June 25, 2026

In-person attendance (by invitation only)
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET (doors will open and light breakfast available starting at 7:30 a.m. ET)

Virtual attendance
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET (the livestream will pause during scheduled breaks, lunch, and breakout sessions)

This year the nation commemorates the United States of America’s 250th anniversary—a key milestone for the country to reflect on the past 250 years, meet the present moment, and chart an inspired course for our shared future. At a pivotal moment for the American scientific community, the 250th presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring experts together on the national stage to highlight the importance of Discovery, Imagination, and the Future.  Co-hosted by the NAS and the Smithsonian Institution, this day-long symposium brings together the day-long symposium brings together the research community to share groundbreaking research, foster cross-generational dialogue, and explore the next frontiers of science.

Throughout the day, we hope you are inspired by the ways:

• Discovery drives leadership
• Public investment makes discovery possible
• People and collaboration power progress
• The next era demands urgency, not complacency

Planning Committee:

Ralph Nuzzo (Chair), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Geraldine (Geri) Richmond (Vice-Chair), University of Oregon
Peter Agre, Johns Hopkins University
Jennifer Chayes, University of California Berkeley
Paula Hammond, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kalli Kappell, University of California Los Angeles
Laurie Leshin, Arizona State University
Teri Odom, Northwestern University
Lyman Page, Princeton University
Nipam Patel, Marine Biological Laboratory
Carla Shatz, Stanford University
Ryan Truby, Northwestern University