Charles Townes

Bell Laboratories provides research and development services. It provides communications technologies including transistors, digital networking, signal processing, lasers and fiber-optic communications systems, communication satellites, cellular telephony, electronic switching of calls, touch-tone dialing and modems. The company was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Murray Hill, NJ.

Institute for Defense Analyses provides technical analyses of weapons systems and programs to federal agencies. It is a federally funded research organization that works primarily for the US Government's defense agencies. Its research areas include systems evaluations, technology assessments, resource & support analyses, and strategy assessments. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Alexandria, VA.

National Academy of Sciences operates as a private, nongovernmental institution that advises on issues related to science and technology. It provides independent, objective analysis and advice and conducts other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The firm also encourages education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science. The company was founded on March 3, 1863 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.

Part of The National Academies of Science, the National Academy of Engineering operates as a professional membership organization. The private company is based in Washington.

SETI Institute operates as a non-profit organization that provides scientific research, education, and public outreach services. It offers instrument development, outreach programs, research experience for undergraduates, and weekly colloquium. The company was founded in November 1984 and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA.