Wave-based computing seeks to harness the principles of wave dynamics to improve the performance and efficiency of information processing tasks. Wave-based computing holds significant potential, particularly for tasks involving signal and image processing and Artificial Intelligence, which require processing of massive amounts of data, offering the promise of achieving higher throughput and dramatically reducing energy consumption compared with traditional digital electronics. Wave-based computing devices may be able to manipulate continuous analog data, thereby unlocking the innate power of massive parallelism. Utilizing the physical principles of both linear and nonlinear wave phenomena, leveraging advances in materials science and chip-scale integration, and potentially integrating quantum technologies (e.g., entanglement, superposition) offers the possibility of unlocking unprecedented computational power and energy efficiency. Cumulative advances in materials, transducers, and design concepts should enable the move toward miniaturization of these devices, making it increasingly feasible to integrate wave-based computing units within compact, chip-scale systems. This shift could enable a future in which wave-based computing redefines the landscape of information technology, providing innovative alternatives and complements to current computing architectures. 

Workshop discussions will encompass the research foci that will be essential to advance the emerging field of wave-based computing:

Also of interest is to explore the role of quantum phenomena in advancing wave computing science and technology, based on the expectation of significant overlap between wave computing and photonics-based quantum information processing. The workshop will consider a systems-based co-design process based on the premise that this may afford maximal translatability for real-world deployment. While both electromagnetic and acoustic wave-based computing will be considered, spin-wave computing is beyond the planned scope of this event.

This in-person ERVA visioning workshop is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long-term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position worldwide.

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Reimagining Cellular and Cell-Free Biomanufacturing Platforms in the AI Era. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in nutrition, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

As the biotechnology era advances, reimagining strategies for cellular and cell-free biomanufacturing is essential to sustaining U.S. leadership and competitiveness. The field sits at a critical juncture where progress in biomedical research, synthetic biology, computation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing must converge to move beyond incremental advances. At stake is the ability to design and produce biological systems with precision, efficiency, and scale.

The aim of this visioning event is to bridge the gap between today’s fragmented approaches and a future where AI-enabled biomanufacturing platforms can transform how we design, test, and produce biological systems. Just as other industries have broken free from laborious empirical cycles, biomanufacturing must do the same by tackling challenges in predictive design, standardization, and scalability.

This in-person ERVA visioning event is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long-term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position worldwide.

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Engineering Food Systems to Enable Precision Nutrition. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in nutrition, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

Precision nutrition is an emerging approach to answering the question: What should one eat to optimize one’s health? The answer is different for each person based on genetics, microbiome, metabolism, medical and physical conditions, dietary preferences, personal goals, food environment, and socio-economic-psychological background. The goal of precision nutrition is to ensure that functional ingredients are active and bioavailable upon consumption by the individual. Foods are critical elements in precision nutrition, yet current drivers of our food supply entail ensuring safety, shelf stability, quality, consumer demand, cost, and, in some cases, nutrient retention. This ERVA event aims to address the gap between the status quo and a future customizable food supply that will accommodate current needs while also serving personalized nutritional needs.

This in-person ERVA visioning event is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long-term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position worldwide.

Please join ERVA on May 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. for a webinar to discuss the findings of the recently released report.

This webinar will explore and discuss the findings of ERVA's report, Strategic Engineering for Next-Generation Wireless Competitiveness. This event will feature speakers Dan Mittleman, professor of engineering at Brown University, and Charles Johnson-Bey, ERVA co-PI and senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton. Thyaga Nandagopal, from Samsung Research America, will serve as the moderator.

Overview:

As the world becomes increasingly connected, the demand for faster, smarter, more reliable, more secure, and higher-capacity wireless networks continues to grow. The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA), funded by the National Science Foundation Engineering Directorate, hosted a June 2024 visioning workshop to identify and collaboratively articulate critical areas of wireless performance where engineering research can lead. Participants at the event identified 10 important areas for research, five of which are nascent or underfunded where U.S. researchers can establish leadership and have a significant impact on the global effort to develop future wireless technologies.

This webinar will delve into the event report and explore its findings. It will look at the needs, opportunities, and potential impact of future research in this critical field and how it could alter the landscape in 10 to 25 years. It will also discuss the implications for U.S. competitiveness in this area.

Logistics:

This is an informational webinar with an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers at the conclusion of the panel discussion.

This event is intended to be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in combating wireless, 5G, 6G, and more.

This free webinar is open to all, but registration is required.

Join ERVA and our Engineering Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance visioning event chair for a webinar to discuss the findings of the recently released report.

The webinar will take place March 27 at 1 p.m. EDT, to explore and discuss the findings of ERVA's report, Engineering Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. The event will feature Anita Shukla, Elaine I. Savage Professor of Engineering, Brown University; and Spike Narayan, ERVA's Executive Director, as the moderator.

Overview:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat. While patients and physicians regard antibiotics as miracle drugs, their efficacy is declining. Addressing this complex issue requires interdisciplinary solutions from engineers, biologists, chemists, physicists, and clinicians.

ERVA, funded by the National Science Foundation Engineering Directorate, hosted a visioning workshop in February 2024 on engineering solutions to combat AMR. Over two days, 55 researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers collaborated to develop a research roadmap, highlighting innovative, under-explored engineering approaches to tackling AMR. Workshop participants identified five grand challenge research areas, from diagnostic devices to computational modeling, where engineering can drive breakthroughs in AMR mitigation over the coming decades.

Logistics:

This is an informational webinar with an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers at the conclusion of the panel discussion.

This presentation will be of high interest to engineering stakeholders, biologists, chemists, physicists, and clinicians whose focus is on the engineering research needed to help curb antimicrobial resistance and provide innovative solutions for therapeutics, surfaces, and devices that do not promote resistance development.

This webinar is free to attend, however registration is required.

March 6, 2025 | Virtual, Pre-Event Drop-In: Jerald Schnoor | Will facilitate a comprehensive dialogue regarding the structure and objectives of the upcoming in-person event.

March 12, 2025 | Virtual, Pre-Event Drop-In: Thematic Task Force | This virtual session is for participants of the ERVA visioning event and will introduce key topics from breakouts 1-6 and foster discussion in preparation for the in-person event.

March 14, 2025 | Virtual, Pre-Event Drop-In: Thematic Task Force | This virtual session is for participants of the ERVA visioning event and will introduce key topics from breakouts 7-13 and foster discussion in preparation for the in-person event.

March 19-20, 2025 | In-Person, Iowa City, Iowa

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Engineering Research to Catalyze Resilient Rural Communities. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in rural resilience, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

The ERVA visioning event is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position world wide.

High level agenda:

Day 1 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT)

-Panel discussion on why engineering research is needed in this field

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

-Lunch keynote

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

Day 2 (8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT)

-Lunch Table Topics

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

May 28, 2024 | Virtual, Pre-Event Keynote: Thomas Keurner | Will provide background information from a different country perspective.

June 3, 2024 | Virtual, Pre-Event Keynote: Iwao Hosako | Will provide information beyond the visions and research and development trends of 5G/6G in Japan.

June 5-6, 2024 | Virtual, Pre-Event Drop-Ins: Daniel Mittleman | Will facilitate a comprehensive dialogue regarding the structure and objectives of the upcoming in-person event.

June 13-14, 2024 | In-Person, Denver, CO

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Strategic Engineering for Next-Generation Wireless Competitiveness. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in wireless technologies, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

The ERVA visioning event is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position world wide.

High level agenda:

Day 1 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MT)

-Panel discussion on why engineering research is needed in this field

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

-Lunch keynote

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

Day 2 (8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. MT)

-Lunch Table Topics

-Directed ideation sessions on various topics

May 23 & 29, 2024 | Virtual, Pre-Event Drop-In: Michelle Oyen | Will facilitate a comprehensive dialogue regarding the structure and objectives of the upcoming in-person event.

May 30, 2024 | Virtual, Pre-Event Keynote: Linda Griffith | This talk will cover the critical role that engineers play at the outset of research, correctly framing the problem and leveraging design principles when developing models and systems to address women's health issues. 

June 5-6, 2024 | In-Person, Columbus, OH

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Transforming Women's Health Outcomes through Engineering. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in women's health technologies, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

The ERVA visioning event is focused on identifying and articulating the near and long term strategic focus for engineering research that will place the United States in a competitive position world wide.

High level agenda:

Day 1 (7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET)

-Panel discussion: Where Have We Come From and Where Are We Going?

-Directed foresight and ideation exercises

-Lunch: Keynote Speaker

-Directed ideation session on various topics, Ages and Stages of a Woman's Life: 0-15 (In Utero to Puberty), 15-45 (Reproductive Years - Related to Pregnancy), 15-45 (Reproductive Years - Not Related to Pregnancy), 45- (Pre, Peri, and Post Menopausal)

Day 2 (8:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET)

-Panel discussion: Challenges With Women's Health Startups

-Directed ideation session on various topics, Technology Fields: AI/Imaging, Computer Modeling, Diagnostic Technologies/Devices, Tissue Engineering/Microfluidics

-Lunch: Table Topics

-Closing comments

March 5-7, 2024 | Virtual, Pre Event Drop-Ins: Saikat Guha, Brian Gaucher | Will facilitate a comprehensive dialogue regarding the structure and objectives of the upcoming in-person event.

March 19-20, 2024 | In-Person, Tucson, AZ

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Quantum-Enabled Technologies. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in quantum-enabled technologies, including researchers, industry professionals, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

The goal of ERVA's visioning events is to create roadmaps for near and long-term engineering research opportunities with the highest potential for positive societal impact.

High level agenda:

Day 1 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

-Panel discussion on why engineering research is needed in these 4 fields

-Directed ideation session on various topics: Quantum and Biology, Quantum and Materials, Quantum and AI, Quantum and Computing

-Lunch keynote with Oliver Dial from IBM

-Directed ideation session on various topics: Quantum and Biology, Quantum and Materials, Quantum and AI, Quantum and Computing

Day 2 (7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

-Directed ideation session on various topics: Quantum and Biology, Quantum and Materials, Quantum and AI, Quantum and Computing

-Lunch keynote with Steve Walsh from The University of New Mexico

January 23-February 1, 2024 | Virtual, Pre event speakers: Kenneth Phillips, Joshua (Scotch) McClure, James J. Collins | Will provide background information from different sectors.

February 6-7, 2024 | In-Person, Houston, TX.

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Engineering Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. It will be transdisciplinary with respect to engineering disciplines, sectors, and stakeholders interested in combating antimicrobial resistance, including clinicians, medical faculty, nonprofits, and venture capital firms.

The goal of ERVA's visioning events is to create roadmaps for near and long-term engineering research opportunities with the highest potential for positive societal impact.

High level agenda:

Day 1 (8:30 - 5:00 p.m.)

-Panel discussion on the role of engineering from a clinician's perspective

-Ideation session using foresight and design thinking techniques

-Lunch keynote with Diane Flayhart from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Co.)

-Directed ideation session on various topics: Engineering the microbiome, AI to accelerate antibiotic discovery, Translational medicine and engineering, Data collection

Day 2 (8:30 - 2 p.m.)

- Directed ideation session on various topics: Early diagnostics, Engineering to prevent disease spread, Antimicrobial biomaterials, Immunoengineering

-Lunch keynote with Kevin Outterson from Boston University & CARB-X

This visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Strategic Thinking for Engineering Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.

November 7-8 | In-Person, Atlanta, GA

The goal of ERVA visioning events is to identify specific areas that are nascent or require additional exploration with the potential for the greatest return on investment.

ERVA is holding this event to envision the future of artificial intelligence and identify the emerging research opportunities where engineering can lead and accelerate our global competitiveness. This is an exceptional opportunity for the engineering community to come together to discussed the future of the research funding landscape.

Academic and industrial researchers have achieved very impressive breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years. Large-scale investments in AI from governments and the private sector worldwide will likely fuel breakthrough achievements, new technologies, and new tools that potentially transform industries, businesses, governments, and educational institutions.

Engineering subfields are actively engaged in these developments. Robotics, automation, and control theory are leading the development of AI with autonomy and safety guarantees. Information theory and signal processing are also making important contributions. At the same, other fields such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, etc., are taking advantage of powerful new machine learning and big data technologies.

In view of the rapid progress in AI, it is critically important that engineering leaders in academic, industry, and government organizations are leaning forward and positioning engineering research community to play leadership roles in (1) the development of new AI technologies suited for engineering applications and imperatives, and (2) in the use of the most powerful AI techniques to advance engineering research fields.

The proposed ERVA event is aimed at developing key insights and major opportunities for academic, industry, and government organizations by answering the following questions:

• What are the major opportunities for engineering to lead advances in AI? 
• What new questions can be formulated and feasibly answered to dramatically move engineering research to greater successes?
• What can engineering leaders do to ensure their organizations will thrive and meet their missions in the coming era of AI?

Join ERVA and our Engineered Systems for Water Security visioning event chair for a webinar to discuss the findings of the recently released report.

The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance will host a webinar August 15, 2023 at 12 p.m. EDT, to discuss the findings of ERVA's report, Engineered Systems for Water Security. The event will feature Stacy Hutchinson, associate dean for research and graduate programs, Kansas State University; Seth Darling, chief science & technology officer for advanced energy technologies, Argonne National Laboratory; and Upmanu Lall, director of the Columbia Water Center and the Alan and Carol Silberstein Professor of Engineering at Columbia University.

This webinar will discuss the key research directions identified as a result of this visioning event and subsequent report.

This is an informational webinar with an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers at the conclusion of the panel discussion. Participation is welcome and encouraged. This webinar is free to attend, however registration is required.