“Reports & Events” is a monthly tip sheet for the news media that highlights selected meetings of interest and reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.  

Selected Events in January 2024
Click on each event title below to access meeting details, an agenda, and registration information, or contact the Office of News and Public Information (e-mail news@nas.edu). Reporters should register for all meetings. Find more National Academies events at https://www.nationalacademies.org/events. 

TRB’s 103rd Annual Meeting
Jan. 7-11
Industry leaders, policymakers, administrators, and researchers will gather for the 2024 annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board. Sessions will cover a variety of topics, including infrastructure, equity and safety, deployment of advanced technologies, and energy and the environment.  

Public Health Consequences of Changes in the Cannabis Policy Landscape
Jan. 11 and 12
To inform an ongoing consensus study, this meeting will feature presentations and panel discussions focused on the social and equity implications of cannabis policy. Speakers will explore the effects of cannabis policy changes on criminal justice, employment, and tax revenues. The meeting will also feature discussion of cannabis harms — such as health complications from cannabis use and interactions with the criminal justice system.  

Research Priorities for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Jan. 16 and 17 
As part of an ongoing consensus study, this workshop will explore promising areas of research that may have the potential to catalyze scientific breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Sessions will examine barriers to research advancement, and investigate the success and failures of other biomedical research fields.  

Climate Conversations: COP28
Jan. 18
While a record number of stakeholders converged in Dubai for COP28, determining the success of the intricate deliberations will take months or even years. Experts who attended the conference will gather at this workshop to discuss what the outcomes mean, how countries will embrace the final agreements, and what climate actions we should expect.  

Harm Reduction Services for People Who Use Drugs
Jan. 30 and 31
This workshop will look at data collection efforts, evidence gaps, and research needs on harm reduction programs for people who use drugs — for example, syringe service programs, services that provide fentanyl test strips, or naloxone distribution. Speakers and sessions will explore best practices for engaging people who use drugs, the data collected on harm reduction services, and barriers to the implementation of these programs.  

Reports Scheduled for Release in January
Release dates for the following consensus reports and proceedings from the National Academies depend on successful completion of the review process and publishing schedules. Reporters who would like to be notified when a report is due for release should contact the Office of News and Public Information (e-mail news@nas.edu) and ask to be placed on a contact list.  

Community-Driven Relocation: Recommendations for the U.S Gulf Coast Region and Beyond
Strategically moving populations away from environmentally high-risk areas, sometimes referred to as managed retreat, has a long tradition but presents unique social, economic, and logistical challenges. This report will gather information about the challenges, needs, and opportunities associated with managed retreat in the Gulf Coast and understanding and responding to the unique challenges in the region.  

Essential Health Care Services Addressing Intimate Partner Violence
Public health emergencies have the potential to negatively affect a wide range of women’s health care services, including those related to intimate partner violence. This new report will offer recommendations for delivering essential preventive and primary health care services related to intimate partner violence during public health emergencies. 

Health Risks of Indoor Exposures to Fine Particulate Matter and Practical Mitigation Solutions
This report examines the health impacts of fine indoor particulate matter (smaller than 2.5 microns) on human health, and mitigation measures available to reduce harm among susceptible populations. The report provides recommendations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about the key implications of the scientific research for public health and where additional research will be most critical.  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REPORTERS 

• The National Academies’ Newsroom  
• PNAS in the News | Register to receive embargoed material from the PNAS News Office 
• Reports and other publications from the National Academies 
• Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn