This report has been reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise, in accordance with procedures approved by the National Academies’ Report Review Committee. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the institution in making its published report as sound as possible and to ensure that the report meets institutional standards for objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the process.

We wish to thank the following individuals for their review of this report: Richard Bendis, National Association of Seed and Venture Funds; Douglas Doerfler, Maxcyte Inc.; David Goldston, Harvard University; Heidi Jacobus, Cybernet Systems; Anu Mittal, United States Government Accountability Office; Carol Nacy, Sequella, Inc.; Michael Rodemeyer, University of Virginia; Donald Siegel, University of Albany; Michael Squillante, Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.; and Judith Tanur, Stony Brook University.

Although the reviewers listed above have provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they were not asked to endorse the conclusions or recommendations, nor did they see the final draft of the report before its release. The review of this report was overseen by Robert White, Carnegie Mellon University. Appointed by the National Academies, he was responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with institutional procedures and that all review comments were carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content of this report rests entirely with the authoring committee and the institution.

Jacques S. Gansler

Charles W. Wessner