Research Highlights

2008 EPA Science Forum: Innovative Technologies and Economic Progress

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More than a dozen scientists from EPA’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) will participate in the eighth annual EPA Science Forum in Washington, DC, May 20–22, to highlight the role of innovative technologies in an expanding and sustainable economy. In addition to scientific sessions and poster presentations, NRMRL researchers will present a display of the models, equipment, and technological solutions designed to help maintain a safe and prosperous environment, at home and around the world.

This year’s Science Forum will emphasize three major themes:

Technology Advances and Future Directions
Energy, Climate, and the Environment
Water Systems Infrastructure and Security

Technology Advances and Future Directions

Ten EPA research priorities drive the technologies featured in this portion of the program. They include pollutant monitoring systems for measuring contaminants in air, water, and soil, including next-generation lead paint and dust test kits; cost-effective treatment systems for pollutant cleanup; air pollution controls; green building research; clean product and process research; support tools and modeling systems; and other innovative technologies.

Energy, Climate, and the Environment

This section of the Science Forum will emphasize EPA priorities in global climate change research. Highlights include evaluation of potential impacts of global warming and global changes on air and water quality and on water availability; assessment technologies for greenhouse gas emissions; status of volunteer energy reduction programs and emission reduction efforts; alternate energy technologies; and risk management and opportunities related to climate variables.

Water Systems Infrastructure and Security

Addressing the needs of America’s aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and protecting U.S. water resources are the key themes of this portion of the Science Forum. Presentations include innovative approaches to assessing the chemical, biological, and physical condition of drinking water and wastewater pipes; management and technical approaches to the repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of aging infrastructure; technology development in collaborative programs with industry and academia; and national homeland security research developments.

The EPA Science Forum has always provided a wide-ranging overview of EPA’s research and development accomplishments to help visitors understand its role in protecting environmental and human health. This year’s Science Forum, which will be held in the Atrium Hall of the Ronald Reagan Building and the International Trade Center in Washington, will follow that tradition.

Contact

Jane Ice, NRMRL Office of Public Affairs (513) 569-7311