The 2018 Pipeline R&D Forum will be held on September 11-12 in Baltimore, MD. The forum is a 2-day event held periodically to generate a National research agenda that fosters solutions for the various challenges associated with pipeline safety and with protecting the environment. The forum allows public, government and industry pipeline stakeholders to develop a consensus on the technical gaps and challenges for future research. It also reduces duplication of programs, factors ongoing research efforts, leverages resources and broadens synergies. The national research agenda coming out of these events is aligned with the needs of the pipeline safety mission, makes use of the best available knowledge and expertise, and considers stakeholder perspectives. Specifically the forum:

• Identifies key pipeline technical challenges facing industry and government;
• Disseminates information on current research efforts; and
• Identifies new research that can help to meet known challenges.