Wave-based computing seeks to harness the principles of wave dynamics as they interact with materials and structures to achieve and improve the performance and efficiency of information processing tasks. Wave-based computing may hold significant potential, particularly for tasks involving signal and image processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), 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 miniaturization of these devices, making it increasingly feasible to integrate WBC units into compact, chip-scale systems. This shift could enable a future in which WBC 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:

• Materials and structures
• Devices and transducers
• Circuits and systems engineering
• Applied mathematics
• Algorithms and architectures

Also of interest is the exploration of 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 the main focus of this workshop is on electromagnetic waves (i.e., optical, THz, Microwave, and RF waves), other types of waves beyond electromagnetic waves (e.g., acoustics, etc.) will also be discussed.

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.

View the archived event page, agenda, and meet the speakers.

ERVA is charged with the strategic convening of interdisciplinary groups of experts to collaboratively identify bold and transformative new engineering research directions. ERVA visioning events provide unique opportunities for selected participants to advance our goal of catalyzing the pursuit of innovative, high-impact research that benefits society. 

Our second visioning event explored the topic of Leveraging Biology to Power Engineering Impact. The interface of biology and engineering continues to provide incredibly rich opportunities for impact as well as mutual advancement for both fields.

Visioning Event Summary

The interface of biology and engineering continues to provide incredibly rich opportunities for impact as well as mutual advancement for both fields. The application of engineering principles of design and analysis to biological systems and biomedical technologies has yielded important advances for health care and medicine, manufacturing, agriculture, and other application areas. The field of bioreplacements, for example, illustrates how understanding biology can be used to inform the design of engineered components that can then be used to replace or improve biological systems. Human quality of life may be improved through the restoration of sensory, motor, or cognitive functions using engineered devices or systems. Increasing interest focuses on the development of wearable devices that not only monitor but also modulate human biology for enhanced health.

However, the natural world provides many sources of inspiration for engineering novel systems beyond those used to restore or augment human function. Here we group some of these approaches under the heading: Leveraging Biology to Power Engineering Impact.

Three general approaches through which engineering can achieve impact via leveraging knowledge and understanding of natural biological systems are identified as being of interest:

• Bio-inspired / Bio-informed
  Inspiration from biology is used to engineer components and systems. Naturally occurring chemistry from both animals and plants has driven advances in materials science. Design of engineered systems has been informed by nature-based mechanical solutions. Neuroscience is under scrutiny to provide inspiration for brain-based data storage and computational capabilities. In the future, we stand to learn much from biological mechanisms of resilience and adaptation to inform the design of engineering structures and systems.
• Repurposing Biology
  Biological constructs may be adopted and adapted for purposes beyond their existing biological function. A classic example of this is the use of DNA molecules for data storage, building on the remarkable integrity and potential for error-free replication of this macromolecule. Additionally, intense interest is focused on designer organisms, products of synthetic biology, that may afford functionalities from mining, to agriculture, to bio-foundries. Engineered living systems may provide building blocks for next-generation sustainable engineering.
• Improving on Biology
  It’s also possible to envisage engineering components and systems that go “beyond biology." One potential example is manipulating the interactions between species in different kingdoms. This “interkingdom engineering” has breathtaking potential to improve human health, for example by manipulating the human microbiome to ameliorate obesity or interrupting interspecies virus transfer to diminish disease spread.

Each of these areas offers exciting potential for genuine engineering advances, leveraging biology to power engineering impact. To maximize the potential will require deliberate articulation of parameters and constraints at this intersection of biology and engineering.

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?

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. Accordingly, we seek multi-disciplinary researchers who can help ERVA identify less-explored, basic and use-inspired lines of research ripe for engineering community pursuit.

ERVA invites you to participate in an event to envision the future of U.S. manufacturing and identify the emerging research opportunities where engineering can lead and accelerate our global competitiveness. This is an exceptional opportunity for your voice to be heard and influence the future engineering research funding landscape.

In-Person Visioning Event: Engineering Materials for a Sustainable Future

There is an urgent need to bring breakthrough materials research and development to the forefront of current sustainability efforts. Recent government action in the U.S. and globally has galvanized industries to pursue zero-carbon status. Corporate investors are also increasingly voicing interest in the development of sustainable materials solutions to enable a circular economy. This visioning workshop will unite researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to articulate materials engineering research priorities. This visioning event takes a holistic approach to discussing sustainable materials from the design stage, through scale-up and manufacturing, to the end-of-use scenarios for three key industries: chemical manufacturing, construction, and single-use consumer products.

Chemical manufacturing comprises ~40% of the GDP and is critical to creating fuel, fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and many other necessary compounds. Yet, most catalytic reactions generally operate at high temperatures by burning petroleum fuels, generating significant greenhouse gas emissions and undesirable byproduct formation. Achieving precision chemistry, where reactions are simultaneously high-yield, product selective, and free from greenhouse-gas emissions, will be critical for a sustainable future. In parallel, the materials used in construction, such as steelmaking globally, account for ~3.8% of the GDP and ~8% of CO2 emissions, while concrete and cement account for an additional 8% of global CO2 emissions. While they are low-cost to produce, they are not easily recyclable. Balancing cost and performance while decarbonizing the processes to make construction materials is essential to achieve a zero-carbon future.

Finally, polymer chemistry provides us with cheap, durable, and customizable multilayer materials for a variety of single-use consumer product packaging; yet these attributes have given rise to massive waste accumulation and catastrophic greenhouse gas emissions. Biobased, compostable alternatives to traditional plastics rarely have equivalent functionality to their petroleum-based counterparts. Furthermore, energy-efficiency recycling methods for mixed materials waste streams remain an obstacle. In each of these industries, new materials utilizing renewable energy, renewable feedstocks, state-of-the-art chemistry, physics, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence are required to enable net-zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions, increased recyclability/composability, and progress towards fully circular materials economy.

Sustainable Material Design

Sustainable material design refers to the development of materials and products that minimize the negative impact on the environment and human health. The use of sustainable materials in design is becoming increasingly important as we face challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. Sustainable materials can also be designed to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for replacement, and minimizing waste. Overall, sustainable material design is an essential component of creating a more sustainable future, and designers have a crucial role to play in developing innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges.

Manufacturing & Scale-Up of Sustainable Materials

Scaling-up sustainable material manufacturing involves increasing production to meet demand while maintaining these sustainable practices. To scale up sustainable material manufacturing, companies can invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable production methods. This can include finding new ways to recycle and reuse materials, developing more sustainable supply chains, and optimizing production processes to minimize waste and energy use. Sustainable material manufacturing also requires collaboration and partnerships across industries and sectors. This can include working with suppliers and customers to promote sustainable practices and educate consumers about the importance of sustainable materials. Overall, scaling up sustainable material manufacturing is essential for creating a more sustainable future. By adopting sustainable practices and investing in research and development, companies can produce materials and products that meet growing demand while minimizing the negative impact on the environment and human health.

Sustainable Material End-of-Use and Reuse

Sustainable materials end-of-use processes and reuse refer to the handling and disposal of materials and products at the end of their useful life in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes their value. Sustainable materials end-of-use processes are an essential component of the circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. To promote the reuse of materials, companies can design products with end-of-use in mind. This can include using materials that are easily recyclable or designing products that can be easily disassembled and repurposed. Overall, sustainable materials end-of-use processes and reuse are crucial for creating a more sustainable future. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can reduce waste, conserve resources, and create new economic opportunities.

Travel funds will be made available to participants.

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. Accordingly, we seek multi-disciplinary researchers who can help ERVA identify less-explored, basic and use-inspired lines of research ripe for engineering community pursuit.

ERVA invites you to participate in an event to envision the future of U.S. manufacturing and identify the emerging research opportunities where engineering can lead and accelerate our global competitiveness. This is an exceptional opportunity for your voice to be heard and influence the future engineering research funding landscape.

In-Person Visioning Event: Engineering the Future of Distributed Manufacturing

The United States can make engineering research investment decisions to change the current declining manufacturing trajectory. But this effort must focus on our competitive future rather than re-creating the past. As data, connectivity, and smart machines merge the digital and physical worlds, technology creates avenues for U.S. manufacturers to improve their productivity, agility, and competitiveness.

Democratization is the act of making something accessible to everyone. Democratization of manufacturing will empower our small and medium manufacturers—who vastly outnumber their large counterparts—to operationalize these technological advancements, spurring income growth, new jobs, local investment, and innovation ripple effects across the ecosystem.

We invite you to nominate yourself to participate in expert, informed discussion and interactive thematic breakout sessions to explore and identify research opportunities that can have transformative impacts on the U.S. manufacturing landscape of tomorrow.