Skip to section navigation
Skip to page content

Research Portfolios

The Community Health and Environmental Policy program research areas cross a range of policy areas, including health and community design; science, technology and well-being; climate resilience; and carbon and energy systems.

Autonomous Systems
Autonomous systems–from cars to aircraft–will change the way we live and work. Self-driving cars and delivery drones, for example, offer the possibility of fundamentally changing transportation. These developments raise complex policy questions.
Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy
RAND research addresses critical challenges associated with biotechnology and the bioeconomy. This includes risk preparedness, regulation and simulation, and biological data issues.
Climate Research at RAND
RAND's climate research and analysis help communities throughout the world to better understand, adapt to, and solve the multiple challenges brought on by the changing climate.
RAND Economics and National Security Initiative
The RAND Economics and National Security Initiative provides research and analysis at the intersection of economics and national security, working with the U.S. government and private sector partners to advance U.S. economic competitiveness and U.S. national security.
Community Health and Well-Being
Community health and well-being encompasses the social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political conditions that allow individuals and their communities to thrive. RAND's research has helped communities measure the well-being of citizens and explored the factors that contribute to improved health and well-being.
Community Infrastructure
RAND research addresses critical challenges associated with community and infrastructure development. This includes planning for future transportation and mobility options, securing communities against a variety of natural and human threats, and integrating technology into the built environment.
Decarbonizing Energy Systems
Decarbonization will require action on multiple fronts – changes in alternative and renewable energy technologies, industrial innovation, new modes of mobility, and shifting consumer preferences. A solid foundation of evidence is needed to support decision-making among decarbonization options.
Disaster Recovery Operations
Recovery in the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters is directly related to the availability of local resources and the infrastructure and operational ability to deliver assistance from outside the affected region. RAND researchers have helped governments, militaries, and private organizations organize recovery operations during disasters, learn from past experience, and prepare for future disasters.
Energy Systems
Energy plays a vital role in the success of the global economy, but obtaining and using energy can also impact the environment. RAND researchers help policymakers worldwide make informed decisions on meeting their nations' energy needs while mitigating long-term life cycle environmental risks.
Entrepreneurship Public Policy
RAND research into entrepreneurship public policy studies how legal and regulatory policymaking affect small businesses and entrepreneurship in a wide range of settings, including corporate governance, employment law, consumer law, securities regulation and business ethics.
Environmental Policy
Research and analysis on the human effects on the environment aim to support critical decisionmaking on current and emerging environmental challenges at local, national, and global levels.
Science and Technology
RAND experts have often been among the pioneers of key scientific research, including computer analysis, satellite development, military technology, and the foundations of the Internet. RAND's research has also resulted in the development of new methodologies and ways of analyzing policy issues, from the Delphi method to Robust Decision Making.
Space Exploration
Space exploration is both an international and a commercial effort; several countries, companies, and multinational organizations operate hundreds of Earth observation and information-exchange platforms near and beyond Earth's orbital plane. RAND research assists policymakers in planning the most efficient and cost-effective strategy for advancing space exploration and cooperation for both military and commercial benefits.
Workplace Health and Safety
Workplace injuries and illnesses shorten and reduce the quality of lives and create a significant drain on economic productivity. For more than 20 years RAND has used its multi-disciplinary approach to develop effective strategies for providing compensation and healthcare for injured workers.