This report reflects the commitment of the U.S. scientific, engineering, and
health communities to help our country respond to the challenges made evident
by September 11. It is a contribution from the National Academies—the National
Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine,
and National Research Council—which initiated this critical effort and paid
for it. But this report is also a contribution to the nation from many distinguished
individuals, each of whom dedicated a great deal of time to the production of the
report. In all, there were 24 members of the main committee, 94 additional
individuals who served on its eight subpanels, and 46 expert reviewers who
provided critical feedback on the committee’s draft report. These 164 individuals
were motivated solely by a commitment to public service, and all of them made
personal sacrifices to do their part on a very tight schedule.