Calendar of Events

    Past Events

  • Congressional Options and Their Likely Consequences for a Nuclear Deal with Iran

    With nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 now extended beyond the original Nov. 24 deadline, some members of Congress might now attempt to intervene legislatively. RAND analyst Larry Hanauer will discuss eight potential courses of action that Congress could take that might either facilitate, hinder, or block implementation of a deal.

    Dec 16, 2014

  • Space Talk Launches Politics Aside

    Hundreds of guests packed the Cary Grant Theatre at Sony Studios to kick off RAND's Politics Aside event with a discussion on space technology, policy, and leadership. Matt Miller, columnist, author, and radio host moderated the panel, which included Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs; George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic; and NASA astronaut Cady Coleman.

    Nov 14, 2014

  • A New Way to Pay for Transportation: Exploring a Shift from Fuel Taxes to Mileage-Based User Fees

    Increasing fuel efficiency and the rise of alternative fuel vehicles that do not use gasoline have led to growing shortfalls in federal and state funding for surface transportation programs — shortfalls that are likely to become even more acute in coming years. In this Congressional Briefing, Liisa Ecola will discuss innovations in the use of mileage-based fees.

    Jun 26, 2014

  • The Future of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act: Expiration, Reauthorization, Modification

    To inform the debate on whether TRIA should be reauthorized, modified, or allowed to expire, RAND experts will present the findings of their recent work on this topic and address different facets of this complex issue, including the pros and cons of proposed TRIA modifications.

    Jun 11, 2014

  • Israeli, Saudi, and Iranian Responses in the Days After a Deal With Iran: What Are the U.S. Options?

    RAND experts will discuss the likely concerns and reactions of Israel and Saudi Arabia and the internal power dynamics and motivations of the Iranian government. Understanding these factors and U.S. options to address them will be critical for policymakers to implement a final nuclear agreement.

    Jun 4, 2014

  • Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers

    Military caregivers play an essential role in caring for injured or wounded service members and veterans. Terri Tanielian and Rajeev Ramchand will present the challenges today's military caregivers face, and what Congress and others can do to support them.

    May 15, 2014

  • Do Joint Fighter Programs Save Money?

    Mark Lorell will discuss how historically, the need to accommodate different service requirements into a single design or common design family can lead to increased program complexity and cost growth that may cancel out the theoretical costs savings gained from a joint approach.

    Mar 28, 2014

  • "Self Driving" Vehicles: Great Benefits, but Barriers to Widespread Adoption

    After examining the advantages and disadvantages of autonomous vehicles, RAND researchers determined that the overall societal benefits of this new technology likely outweigh the disadvantages. Senior behavioral scientist James Anderson will present the study results.

    Mar 24, 2014

  • IDSS Speaker Discusses "Rebooting Africa"

    The International Development Speaker Series welcomed Harvard's Calestous Juma, who discussed strategies for enabling Africa to harness the power of platform technologies for the technological catch-up and leapfrogging needed to spur economic development and prosperity.

    Mar 7, 2014

  • IDSS Speaker Discusses "Rebooting Africa"

    The International Development Speaker Series welcomed Harvard's Calestous Juma, who discussed strategies for enabling Africa to harness the power of platform technologies for the technological catch-up and leapfrogging needed to spur economic development and prosperity.

    Mar 7, 2014

  • Correctional Education: How Effective Is It and What Can We Do to Make It Better?

    Ex-offenders do not have the knowledge and skills to support a successful return to their communities. Trying to reduce re-incarceration rates is partly why states devote resources to educating and training individuals while in prison. Lois Davis will present results from a comprehensive RAND study on the effectiveness of correctional education.

    Feb 18, 2014

  • Making Sense of Nuclear Negotiations with Iran: A Good Deal or a Bad Deal?

    Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 have resulted in a first step agreement of a possible comprehensive deal on the Iranian nuclear program. A panel of experts will examine the negotiations, the potential for a deal that could effectively halt Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons, and implications for U.S. national security.

    Jan 22, 2014

  • The Future of Mobility: Transportation 2030

    What will transportation look like in the United States in the year 2030? Multiple mobility scenarios are possible. Come hear how policymakers and planners can shape the future of mobility in the United States and what factors will influence the creation of the future transportation system.

    Dec 3, 2013

  • Estimating the Comparative Effectiveness of Screening Tests

    Screening tests are a key component of preventive care. For cancer screening, the most relevant measure of effectiveness is the difference in mortality for screened versus unscreened patients. Carolyn Rutter from The Group Health Research Institute will discuss comparative effectiveness of screening tests, focusing on colorectal cancer.

    Nov 13, 2013

  • Preparing for North Korean Regime Collapse

    The North Korean government has shown signs of instability for some time. RAND senior defense analyst Bruce Bennett will discuss the possible consequences of its collapse, including civil war in the North, a humanitarian crisis, the potential use and proliferation of the nation's chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, and even war with China.

    Oct 16, 2013

  • Exits on the Road to Serfdom

    In The Road to Serfdom, Friedrich Hayek suggested that statist intervention in the economy would inevitably bring a population to a serf-like situation. James Thompson, Noah Harding Professor of Statistics at Rice University, will discuss this assertion, and those of the critics who suggest that such pessimism is excessive.

    Sep 26, 2013

  • Egypt and the Question of U.S. Assistance

    With the ouster of former President Morsi by the Egyptian military, there is a renewed debate over the status of U.S. assistance to Egypt. Would cutting off aid promote or impair American interests in the region? RAND's Jeff Martini will moderate a discussion with Steven A. Cook of CFR and Michele Dunne of the Atlantic Council.

    Jul 25, 2013

  • Improving Student Achievement Through Education Technology

    RAND senior scientist John Pane will participate in a panel hosted by Carnegie Learning to discuss a large-scale randomized study of the blended learning algebra curriculum designed by Carnegie Learning, tracking the progress of more than 19,000 students in 147 schools in seven states.

    Jun 20, 2013

  • Peter Blair Henry Discusses Turnaround: Third World Lessons for First World Growth

    In his book Turnaround, economist Peter Blair Henry argues that the secret to emerging countries' success (and ours) is discipline — sustained commitment to a pragmatic growth strategy. Henry will be visiting PRGS and RAND for the International Development Speaker Series.

    May 13, 2013

  • U.S. servicemembers raise a flag

    What Will Keep a U.S. Defense Secretary Up at Night Through the Next Decade?

    Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and RAND trustee emeritus Harold Brown will discuss his book, Star Spangled Security: Applying Lessons Learned Over Six Decades Safeguarding America, and how his experience applies to current challenges facing the United States.

    May 6, 2013

  • Plain Tobacco Packaging: Implications for Health, Law, and Policy

    Tobacco raises vital current issues of global concern regarding the interaction among international trade and investment laws, public policy, and public health objectives. Professors Mitchell and Voon reflect on the implications of Australia's experience with mandatory standardized tobacco packaging legislation for international health law and policy.

    Apr 12, 2013

  • A Conversation with Former Defense Secretary Harold Brown

    At an event on April 9, 2013, former Defense Secretary Harold Brown will discuss how to align America's interests, values, and defense budget to meet the nation's current challenges.

    Apr 9, 2013

  • David Roland-Holst Discusses China's Agrifood Demand in a Global Context

    Rising Chinese incomes are increasing domestic agricultural consumption. Because China is severely constrained in these resources, the implications of this demand acceleration will be global. In this talk, Professor Roland-Holst sets out the drivers of China's changing agrifood economy and maps out its implications for global food markets and sustainability.

    Apr 5, 2013

  • Cambodian garment factory workers travel home from work in Kampong Chhnang province, north of Phnom Penh

    Overcoming Obstacles to Peace

    In their new book, Overcoming Obstacles to Peace, RAND experts James Dobbins and Laurel Miller present evidence that international interventions can in fact build more peaceful nations. Join the discussion on March 18, 2013, 10-11:30 a.m., at the U.S. Institute of Peace Headquarters.

    Mar 18, 2013

  • Incentives, Labor Markets, and the Challenge of Universal Social Protection in Latin America

    PRGS alum David Robalino returns to RAND on March 15 to discuss his World Bank research on social security, labor markets, and fiscal policy in Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of the International Development Speaker Series.

    Mar 15, 2013