About Frontiers

The Frontiers of Science symposium series was created as the first program of the National Academy of Sciences targeted specifically for early career scientists. Frontiers was designed to bridge the boundaries imposed by scientific fields by exposing exceptional young researchers to ideas and research well outside of their chosen fields and to give these researchers access to a network of colleagues from a variety of fields and institutions that will be useful to them as they advance in their careers.

The Frontiers program identifies futures leaders of science, both within the US and abroad, and presents this select group with a valuable network for them to develop their leadership potential. The Frontiers alumni network now contains more than 6,200 past participants, including 19 alumni who have won Nobel Prizes and 355 who have been elected to the NAS (over 13% of the current membership), including 20 who were elected in 2024. The symposia have a lasting impact among their “alumni.” A 2014 survey of symposium participants from 2006 to 2014 found that more than 77% of respondents have maintained connections made at the symposia, more than 19% have submitted joint proposals, and more than 13% have co-authored papers.

Stories of Impact

Frontiers of Science symposia offer attendees a unique opportunity to make connections with significant impact upon a research direction or a career.  Stories listed below from symposium participants highlight the impact that connections at a Frontiers of Science symposium have produced.

People wearing face masks and standing around a poster promoting safety measures.
Career Impact
People wearing face masks and standing around a poster promoting safety measures.
A diverse group of individuals seated on chairs in front of a screen, engaged in a presentation.
Deep and Lasting Connections

 

A diverse group of individuals seated on chairs in front of a screen, engaged in a presentation.
2017 Chinese-American Symposium
Peer Networks
2017 Chinese-American Symposium
A diverse group of individuals standing in front of a microphone, ready to speak at a public event.
Connections Across Disciplines
A diverse group of individuals standing in front of a microphone, ready to speak at a public event.
2024 Japanese-American-German Dark Matter Session
Science Communication
2024 Japanese-American-German Dark Matter Session

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