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.
Are your reports peer-reviewed? Yes, all of the institution's reports — whether products of studies, summaries of workshop proceedings, or abbreviated documents — must undergo an independent review by anonymous experts who were not involved in the report's preparation. This process is overseen by the Report Review Committee, whose responsibilities are to ensure that the report addresses the approved study charge and does not go beyond it; the findings are supported by the evidence and arguments presented; and the exposition and organization are effective.
What is your major source of funding? The federal government funds about 85 percent of our work. The rest is funded internally or by foundations.
What is the definition of science? According to the latest edition of Science, Evolution, and Creationism, issued by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine in early 2008, science is "the use of evidence to construct testable explanation and prediction of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process."
How are members elected, and how many members are there in the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine? Each organization elects new members annually. Current membership information is maintained by the membership offices of each organization. For details on the nomination and election process, visit the membership offices of each organization:
What is the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences?
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is an independent, multidisciplinary scientific journal published by the National Academy of Sciences. Established in 1914, the journal publishes cutting-edge research reports, commentaries, reviews, perspectives, colloquium papers, and actions of the NAS. The evidence and views presented in papers published in PNAS are those of the authors and do not represent views, findings, or positions of the National Academy of Sciences. PNAS is supported principally by publication and subscriptions fees.
Science, engineering, and medicine are at the heart of finding solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, which in a matter of months has triggered a global health, economic, and societal crisis of staggering proportions. In a joint message, the presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM give an update on how the National Academies are providing the evidence-based answers and guidance that society needs at every step of pandemic response and recovery — from addressing immediate challenges to building a more resilient future for the nation and world.
Explore the National Academies’ latest news, events, and other resources related to COVID-19, as well as consensus studies and workshop proceedings on the subject of pandemic infectious disease.
From more extreme weather to more frequent and intense wildfires, the climate is changing in ways that pose increasing risks to people and ecosystems. Explore the National Academies’ expert advice to help the nation understand, prepare for, and limit future climate change.
Explore a range of work at the National Academies that looks at the factors that drive systemic inequities — not only in society at large but also within the sciences, engineering, and medicine.
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