NCHRP Synthesis Program Now Accepting Topic Statements
20 Apr 2026
Topic statements are due by 11:59:59pm EST on June 15, 2026.
The NCHRP Synthesis Topic submittal portal is now open. Submit a topic statement at this link: https://nchrpballoting.trb.org/synthesis.
Topic statements are due by 11:59:59pm EST on June 15, 2026. Late submittals will not be accepted.
Important changes:
- Submitters are strongly encouraged to consider the federal administration’s priorities when proposing synthesis topics.
- While anyone can write or contribute to preparing a Topic Statement, submittals will only be accepted from the following sources:
- Employees of state departments of transportation
- AASHTO staff on behalf of AASHTO committees or councils
- Employees of the Federal Highway Administration
- Submitters will use their MyTRB credentials to login to the online submittal system. If you do not have a MyTRB account, you will be prompted to create one.
- Instead of uploading a document, the submitter will fill in an online form; text can be either typed directly into the form or can be cut and pasted from a document.
- Topic submittals that propose going beyond the scope of an NCHRP Synthesis will not be accepted.
- A synthesis documents current highway-related practices at state departments of transportation (DOTs).
- A synthesis does not document best practice.
- A synthesis is not a research project or a guide; it does not make recommendations.
- The topic addresses an area of practice that is widespread and of interest to most state DOTs.
- The topic should be timely and critical for expediting the delivery, improving the quality, or lowering the cost of highway programs.
- All syntheses use the same approach for gathering information: a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs to develop case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for future research to address those gaps will be identified.
- Synthesis contracts are fixed-price with a total budget of $65,000 and an 11-month period of performance.
The problem statement outline is available here: Topic Statement Outline.
Please direct any questions you may have to MyTRB@nas.edu and use "NCHRP Synthesis” in the subject line.