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Is the National Academy of Sciences part of the government?
No, the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine are private, nonprofit organizations. They provide policy advice under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to establish the National Academy of Sciences as an independent adviser for the U.S. government on science and technology matters. Together, the three organizations are known as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Each Academy is an honorific, membership organization. Election by peers to these organizations is considered a high honor.

How should I reference your reports in my story?
Check the report's cover and front matter to see which organization is the primary author. Most reports are authored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Are report authors employees?
No, each report is authored by a committee of experts and subjected to peer review by another group of experts, which remains anonymous until the report is published. All of these individuals are volunteers who work pro bono in service to the nation. Paid staff scientists and administrators facilitate the work of the committee. Click here for more on the study process.

How are committees balanced, and how is conflict of interest evaluated?
For our policy on committee composition and conflicts of interest, see our conflict of interest page.