National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Stored: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is a congressionally chartered, independent nonprofit organization that advises the U.S. government and public on matters of science, engineering, and medicine, encompassing the
- National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
- National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
- National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
Established in 1863 as the NAS and expanded over time, NASEM conducts authoritative studies, elects distinguished members—over 6,000 across its academies by 2025—and promotes education, producing over 200 reports annually on issues like climate change, health equity, and technology innovation.
Mission
NASEM’s mission is to deliver objective, evidence-based guidance to policymakers and society by leveraging the expertise of its elected members and volunteer committees, addressing critical national and global challenges such as pandemics, infrastructure resilience, and scientific integrity. It fosters education and research through programs like the Gulf Research Program, aiming to enhance decision-making, advance disciplinary knowledge, and improve quality of life across science, engineering, and medicine.
Parent organization
NASEM operates as an autonomous entity with no parent organization, though it collaborates closely with federal agencies and serves as an umbrella for the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine. It has no top organization beyond its own governance structure.
Legislation
NASEM traces its origins to the Act of Incorporation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1863, establishing the NAS, with amendments in 1964 and 1970 adding the NAE and NAM, respectively, under the same charter.
Partners
NASEM collaborates with:
- National Academy of Sciences
- National Academy of Engineering
- National Academy of Medicine
- Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health)
- Private foundations and industry
Number of employees
NASEM employs approximately 1,200 staff members across its three academies and research programs, supporting studies, administration, and outreach, per organizational estimates.
Organization structure
NASEM is structured around its academies and programs:
- NAS focuses on scientific excellence and research.
- NAE advances engineering leadership and innovation.
- NAM addresses health and medical policy.
- Research Programs Office oversees studies and initiatives.
Leader
NASEM is led by three presidents: Marcia McNutt (President of NAS since 2016), John L. Anderson (NAE since 2019), and Victor J. Dzau (NAM since 2014), with McNutt often representing the collective institution.
Divisions
The efforts include:
- Policy Studies for government advice.
- Membership Services for elections and events.
- Education and Outreach for public programs.
List of programs
Key NASEM programs include:
- Gulf Research Program - https://www.nationalacademies.org/gulf
- Frontiers of Engineering/Science/Medicine Symposia
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) - https://www.pnas.org/
Last total enacted budget
NASEM’s budget was approximately $300 million in FY 2023, funded by federal contracts ($200M+), grants, endowments, and publication revenue, supporting its extensive research and operations.
Staff
Staffing includes about 1,200 professionals—scientists, policy experts, and administrators—based primarily at its Washington, DC headquarters, with additional support in Irvine, CA, and elsewhere.
Funding
NASEM’s $300M FY 2023 funding comes from federal contracts (e.g., $40M+ annually for DOE-related studies), private grants ($50M+), endowment income ($30M+), and publications, with historical budgets growing from $250M in 2015, reflecting expanded scope and inflation.
Services provided
NASEM provides expert reports (e.g., “Climate Change Impacts” 2021), manages prestigious awards like the NAE’s Draper Prize, and supports education via programs like the Gulf Research Program, informing policy and advancing science, engineering, and medicine.
Regulations overseen
NASEM does not oversee regulations but influences policy through studies requested by Congress and agencies, shaping standards in areas like energy and health.
Headquarters address
2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418, USA
History
NASEM began with the NAS’s founding on March 3, 1863, under Lincoln’s charter to advise the government during the Civil War, expanding with the NAE in 1964 and NAM in 1970 (originally the Institute of Medicine). It has grown to over 6,000 members, produced thousands of reports—like the 1986 Challenger disaster analysis—and evolved programs like the $500M Gulf Research Program (2013), maintaining its role as a premier advisory body.
External links
- Official Website
- wikipedia:National_Academies_of_Sciences,_Engineering,_and_Medicine
- PNAS Journal
- Gulf Research Program