Participants of the Frontiers of Engineering symposia are outstanding engineers, ages 30-45, from all engineering disciplines and representing industry, academe, and government labs. Invitees are individuals who are highly accomplished and have made recognizable contributions to advancing the frontiers of engineering. To ensure participation by individuals of this caliber, there is a two-stage selection process for US FOE general participants, i.e., those other than program organizers and speakers. General participants for the bilateral FOEs are selected from among US FOE applicants and attendees or may be nominated by a member of the organizing committee. NAE members chair or co-chair the FOE organizing committees, which
are comprised of engineers in the same 30-45 year-old age cohort with expertise in the topics being covered. Organizing committee members select the speakers, subject to the approval of the symposium chair or co-chairs.