The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine operates at the intersection of rigorous research and public policy. Founded in 1863 under a congressional charter signed by Abraham Lincoln, the organization brings together three academies - sciences, engineering, and medicine - to produce independent, evidence-based analysis on some of the most technically complex questions facing policymakers and society. Its work spans domains including artificial intelligence safety, climate resilience, transportation infrastructure, pediatric research priorities, and public health.
The core model is one of convened expertise: staff work alongside thousands of the nation's leading researchers, engineers, and health professionals, assembled into expert committees to conduct rigorous studies and produce reports. Findings are published through the National Academies Press and disseminated via workshops, events, and direct engagement with government agencies, foundations, and communities. Reports are produced continuously across all three academies.
The organization is structured to address problems that cross disciplinary boundaries - challenges no single field or institution can resolve alone. It does not advocate for specific positions or interests, a design that underpins its role as a trusted source of advice for Congress, federal agencies, and the broader public. Staff work in an environment that is explicitly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise across science, engineering, medicine, and public policy to translate complex evidence into actionable guidance.
