Academy Programs
Education Initiative
In 2005, the National Academies released a report entitled Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Future. The report describes how improving science and technology research will help the United States sustain its economic viability in the future while industries become increasing global. One major component of the report is the diminishing quality of K-12 science and math education.
In response to the report, The Academy's Education Steering Committee was charged by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Academy Founding Co-chair, to conduct an in-depth study to identify those variables negatively affecting K-12 math and science education.
The Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award
The Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards were established to recognize outstanding achievements by young investigators in medicine, engineering, science and technology innovation. The Awards are named in honor of Edith and Peter O'Donnell, who have been steadfast supporters of The Academy since its inception.
Nominations are evaluated by a committee of Academy members and finalists are selected in consultation with a committee of Nobel Laureates. The Academy's Board of Directors has final approval of the award recipients.
Nominees must have spent the past two years performing research in Texas. Members of The Academy will not be eligible to receive the Awards in order to shift the focus to the accomplishments of up-and-coming Texas researchers.