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Academy Complex
The Academy Complex consists of the three academies (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Enginering, Institute of Medicine) and the National Research Council.
Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board (ASEB) Established in 1967, the board brings the knowledge and expertise of the aerospace engineering community to bear on significant aerospace policies and programs. The board examines and reports on problems and issues involving various areas of aeronautics and space technology such as aerodynamics, materials, structures fuels, avionics, propulsion, man-machine integration, safety, and priorities for future technology development. The board is supported primarily by several offices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and has performed studies for the U.S. Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as well. Aeronautics and Space Engineering
Board Home Page
Air Force Science and Technology Board (AFSTB) The purpose of the Board is to provide an independent, objective, and credible source of external advice to the Air Force. It conducts and coordinates studies of scientific and technological issues concerning the development, application, and support of aerospace forces. In conducting its' studies, the Board takes into account the policy context of such issues as well as scientific and engineering considerations. The Board does not enunciate policy, though it may put forward policy alternatives for the sponsor's consideration. The Board helps to define problems of significance, brings together experts to study these problems, and, most importantly, formulates conclusions and makes recommendations for problem resolution. Air Force Science and Technology
Board Home Page
Air Force Studies Board (AFSB) see Air Force Science and Technology Board
Archives Archives Home Page
Army Research Laboratory Technical Assessment Board (ARL) The board will provide annual assessments of the scientific and technical quality of the work of the ARL. This will include both work done at the ARL in-house facilities and work done through its federated laboratories involving universities and companies working collaboratively with ARL on common themes. The work of the ARL falls into six mission areas: digitization/communications science; armor/armaments; soldier systems; air and ground vehicle technology; physical sciences; and survivability/lethality analysis. In addition, six panels will be formed to assist the board in its review of the programs in each of the mission areas. Army Research Laboratory Technical
Assessment Board Home Page
The Board on Agriculture, created in 1983, is one of the ten major units within the National Research Council. The Board addresses science and policy issues confronting the agricultural, food, and environmental system. Areas of interest to the Board include:
The Board's goals for dissemination and outreach are addressed through its work on consensus building activities, engendering collaborative efforts, and reaching audiences with needed information. A natural outgrowth of past reports and activities is its focus on public policy education through providing an open and unbiased forum for elevated debate of key issues. Based on its linkages and strengths in reaching a range of audiences, the Board serves as a key entity within the agricultural, food, and environmental system that can reach and draw to the table the spectrum of views and opinions. Board on Agriculture Home Page
Board on Army Science and Technology (BAST) The purpose of this board is to provide an independent, objective, and credible source of external advice to the Army. It conducts and coordinates studies of scientific and technological issues concerning the Army. In conducting its studies, the board takes into account the public policy context of such issues as well as scientific and engineering considerations. The board does not enunciate policy, though it may put forward policy alternatives for the Army's consideration. The board, working in close coordination with the Army, helps to define problems, brings together experts to study these problems, and most importantly, formulates conclusions and makes recommendations. Board on Army Science and Technology
Home Page
Board on Assessment of National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs (NIST) The board provides guidance and general oversight to the work of a series of panels (currently 8 major panels and several ad hoc panels), each of which assesses the research, development, and technical service activities including broad technical policies of the various organizational units of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The panels consider such items as the importance and relative priority of projects, quality of staff, equipment needs, finances, and relation of programs to the mission of the Institute. Board on Assessment of National Institute
of Standards and Technology Programs Home Page
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) The board seeks to advance understanding of the atmosphere and climate, to improve the ability to apply this knowledge for benefit, and to assist the federal government on problems and programs within the board's areas of interest and expertise. Board on Atmospheric Sciences and
Climate Home Page
As a result of the NRC reorganization in 1982, the Commission on Life Sciences was charged to place greater emphasis on the basic biological sciences. The Board on Biology, formerly called the Board on Basic Biology, was established to identify, prioritize, and assist with the development of program initiatives and to monitor ongoing projects in the area of biology. Board on Biology Home Page
Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology (BCST) The board is the principal National Research Council vehicle for addressing issues specific to biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, and related disciplines. It calls attention to areas that can contribute to the solution of important national problems, considers issues on which federal interagency cooperation would be productive and identifies gaps in support of the chemical sciences, including biochemistry and chemical engineering. The board also oversees the participation of U.S. scientists in several disciplinary unions of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology
Home Page
Board on Children, Youth and Families (BOCYF) This is a joint activity with the Institute of Medicine andthe Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education's Division on Social and Economic Studies. Organized in 1993, the board will broaden and coordinate the work related to families and children throughout the NRC and IOM. It will:
Board on Children, Youth and Familes
Home Page
Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (BESR)
Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
Home Page
Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (BEES) Organized in 1994, the board conducts a program of studies and other activities to provide independent advice on issue in energy and environmental technology and related public policy. It also addresses related issues in national defense. The board directs expert attention to energy supply, conversion and delivery, consumption and efficiency of use. It is also concerned with environmental consequences of energy related activities and with associated environmental systems and controls. The board's stewardship and governance extends to the U.S. National Committee on Rock Mechanics. Board on Energy and Environmental
Systems Home Page
Board on Engineering Education (BEEd) Board on Engineering Education Home Page
Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology (BEST) This is a joint activity of the Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources and the Commission on Life Sciences. Organized in 1986, it provides advice to the federal government and other interested organizations by conducting studies on environmental topics related to toxicology, public health, epidemiology, exposure and risk assessment, risk reduction, engineering, applied ecology, resource management, law, economics, and public policy. Most of the board's studies involve multidisciplinary issues and approaches. Board on Environmental Studies
and Toxicology Home Page
Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment (BICE) This board was organized in 1994. It advises on questions of technology, science, and public policy applied to:
Board on Infrasturcture and the Constructed
Environment Home Page
Board on International Comparisons in Science Education Board on International Comparisons in Science Education Home Page
Board on International Health (BIH) The committee guides the development of the IOM's program activities in international health. It identifies issues and opportunities recommends priorities, and advises the President of the Institute of Medicine on all aspects of IOM's international activities. Board on International Health Home
Page
Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design (BMAED) Within the scope of the National Academies, the basic purpose of the board is to provide input to decision makers that will facilitate timely actions that strengthen the manufacturing base within the United States. The board addresses manufacturing as a system, and thus considers projects related to manufacturing science and technology, engineering design as it relates to manufacturability, manufacturing as an industrial enterprise, and the significance of manufacturing for the nation. Board on Manufacturing and Engineering
Design Home Page
Board on Mathematical Sciences (BMS) The mission of the board is to support and promote the quality and health of the mathematical sciences and their benefits to the nation. The means by which this mission is carried out include:
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Board on Natural Disasters (BOND) Organized in 1992, the board coordinates the National Research Council's advice to the federal government and others on disaster reduction issues of domestic and international importance. The board's actions reflect the NRC's long standing and continuing obligation to focus scientific, technical and public policy expertise on efforts to mitigate the human suffering, disruption, destruction, and economic burdens of natural disasters. Board on Natural Disasters Home Page
Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA) This board serves as the focal point in the National Research Council for issues connected with physics and astronomy, including astrophysics. It is concerned with matters that connect physics and astronomy with other scientific fields such as chemistry, geophysics, and geology, biology, and biophysics. Board on Physics and Astronomy Home
Page
Board on Radiation Effects Research (BRER) The board was found in 1981 to provide coordination of the National Research Council's interests in the biologic effects of all forms of radiation, including nonionizing radiation. The board is responsible for U.S. involvement in the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) in Japan and oversees projects related to the effects on humans and other species of ionizing radiation (such as gamma and x rays, neutrons, and alpha and beta particles) and of nonionizing radiation (such as electromagnetic radiation and ultrasound). BRER identifies issues in radiation effects that should be studied by the Research Council, makes suggestions to federal agencies concerning radiation research and responds to requests by them, recommends study panels to examine the issues, and coordinates with other Research Council units with interests in radiation effects. Board on Radiation Effects Research
Home Page
Board on Radioactive Waste Management (BRWM) The purposes of the board are to survey the needs, review plans, recommend programs, conduct studies, and provide analytical advice on all aspects of the management of radioactive and mixed wastes in order to protect public health and the environment. In pursuing its purposes, the BRWM shall:
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Board on Science and Technology in International Development (BOSTID) The board examines and encourages the application of science and technology in problems of economic and social development and functions as an oversight body for all activities undertake by its committees. Board members frequently are invited to participate in specific projects, as they so desire. Board on Science and Technology
in International Development Home Page
Board on Science Technology and Economic Policy (STEP) The board, organized in 1991, undertakes multidisciplinary studies exploring the dynamics of macro- and microeconomic policies and variables, their relationship to the industrial structure of the U.S. economy, their effect on the high technology manufacturing and service sectors and U.S. scientific and technological advancement. The board considers economic policy broadly to include fiscal and monetary policy, the composition of the nation's investment portfolio, the institutions and processes for information gathering and analysis, policies affecting the quality and quantity of human capital as well as policies that determine industrial structure, research and development, and capital investment. Board on Science, Technology and
Ecnomic Policy Home Page
Board on Sustainable Development (BSD) The board, organized in 1995, provides a focus within the NRC on matters pertaining to sustainable development and the global commons, including global change research and a broad range of other issues relevant to the work of the federal Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) and its subcommittees and the President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD). The Board's responsibilities include science policy integration and assessment; integration of scientific knowledge and policy considerations; observations of the environment and natural resources, including the associated data and information management systems. Board on Sustainable Development Home
Page
Board on Testing and Assessment (BOTA) Board on Testing and Assessment Home Page
The CPC is the "one-stop shopping" location for job openings and the guidance and information needed to make decisions about eduation and career choices. Career Planning Center Home Page
Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education (CSMEE) The work of the Center will be overseen by an Advisory Board. Members will represent scientific, mathematical, engineering, educational, and corporate communities and will be charged to advise the overall program for the Center. The Board will review extant and emerging activities within the Center and its various committees and board to determine whether or not they are consistent with the NRC's vision and mission for its science, mathematics, and engineering education activities. Center for Science, Mathematics,
and Engineering Education Home Page
Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (CBASSE) Organized in 1982, the Commission on Behavioral and Social
Sciences and Education (CBASSE) focuses the knowledge, analytical tools,
and methods of the behavioral and social sciences on some of the nation's
most pressing issues in efforts to understand them and to contribute to
their solution. The areas within its purview include (but are not limited
to) anthropology, child development, demography, economics, education,
geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, social
psychology, sociology, and statistics.
Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems (CETS) The Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems concerns itself with the development and application of the engineering disciplines to technological and industrial systems, and their relationship to societal problems of both national and international significance. The commission addresses specific technical areas, the potential applications and related economics of new or advancing technologies, engineering education and manpower issues, and the potential impacts and implications of current and prospective government policies, regulations, and programs on technical development. The commission also is concerned with issues that are best addressed by the engineering disciplines working with expertise provided by other fields, such as architecture, behavioral and social sciences, or the natural and physical sciences. In all areas, the commission's concerns range from engineering research through the applications of engineering and the implications of technology for policy decisions. Commission on Engineering and Technical
Systems Home Page
Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources (CGER) The Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources (CGER) oversees and coordinates the activities of the National Research Council in the broad areas of atmospheric sciences and climate, oceanography, solid-earth sciences, radioactive waste management, polar research, environmental science and toxicology, natural disasters, and water science. The commission works to ensure the health and progress of these disciplines and to provide timely scientific and technological advice to the government on a variety of public policy issues, such as pollution control, management of radioactive and toxic wastes, natural disaster mitigation, protection of water and other natural resources, exploration of Earth's resources, and global change. Organized in 1990, CGER along with CPSMA, is a result of the separation of CPSMR (Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Resources). Commission on Geocsciences, Environment
and Resources Home Page
Commission on Life Sciences (CLS) Organized in 1982, among the goals of the commission are: to contribute to the advancement of the life sciences and to their effective communication, and to make available the knowledge, analytic tools, and methods of the life sciences for analysis and alleviation of the nation's major problems. The commission fulfills these missions through a balanced program of activities. Although most of these develop in response to requests contained in laws passed by congress or come to the commission from government agencies, a significant number result from initiatives taken by the commission, its constituent committees, and staff. Commission on Life Sciences Home
Page
Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Applications (CPSMA) Organized in 1990, the Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications is broadly concerned with ensuring the health and progress of the physical and chemical sciences, the mathematical sciences, the space and planetary sciences, computer science and technology, measurement science and technology, and the management of scientific and technical information. The resources and management of the U.S. research enterprise in these disciplines are a related concern; and therefore, the Commission focuses on such aspects as the nation's ability to sustain its scientific excellence. In addition, the Commission is responsible for shaping an agenda that recognizes new directions in the 1990s for the physical and mathematical sciences and their applications to the nation's needs. Commission on Physical Sciences,
Mathematics and Applications Home Page
Committee Membership Information System (CMIS)
Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA) Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics Home Page
Committee on Human Rights (CHR) The committee works on behalf of scientists, engineers, and health professionals, worldwide, who are victims of severe repression. In 1994 the NAE and IOM joined the NAS in sponsorship of the committee. More than 1,550 members of the Academy Complex actively participate in its work, which is based on the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The committee's activities include private appeals to governments, communications with prisoners and their families, missions of inquiry, and human rights workshops, symposia, public statements, and reports. The committee also oversees and coordinates The International Human Rights Network of Science Academies. Committee on Human Rights
Home Page
Committee on International Organizations and Programs (CIOP) The committee is responsible for evaluating the directions of international science and for advancing U.S. interests and participation in international scientific, engineering, and medical organizations and programs. The core of CIOP's activity is implementing the NAS obligations as the U.S. member of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). A key goal is strengthening ICSU to make it even more responsive to the needs of international science in the 21st century. CIOP serves as the focal point for ICSU activity, providing policy guidance through the Foreign Secretary and general oversight to assure effective, institutionally-consistent U.S. participation. CIOP provides primary administrative support and is the liaison among the individual national committees which operate out of the various disciplinary units of the NRC. CIOP examines other issues relevant to conduct of international science and promotes the development of scientific capacity around the world. Committee on International
Organizations and Programs Home Page
Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC) The committee draws on the expertise of the scientific and engineering community to study issues of international security and arms control. Its primary activities have been to engage in discussion and joint studies with like organizations in other countries, particularly the Russian Academy of Sciences, and to develop recommendations, statements, studies, and conclusions for presentation to both public and private audiences. It is prepared to respond to requests from the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. government. The activities of the committee are geared toward the goal of helping to seek ways to reduce the threat of nuclear conflict and to encourage global limitations on the development of destabilizing weaponry without reducing the essential national security of the U.S. and other nations. Committee on International
Security and Arms Control Home Page
Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) This committee was established in 1972. It contributes to a better understanding of important national issues by working to improve the statistical methods and information on which public policy decisions are based. The committee develops studies, in response to requests from federal agencies and others, or initiates studies to:
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Committee on Population (CPOP) The importance of population processes for both advanced and developing countries has created a need for continuing scientific assessments of major population-related issues. The committee conducts such assessments and provides a forum for the discussion and analysis of important public policy issues related to population size, growth, and distribution. Among the topics being investigated by the committee are: fertility, reproductive health, and mortality in developing countries and Eurasia; AIDS in Africa; fertility, aging, and immigration in the United States; and consequences of demographic change for domestic policy. It also sponsors workshops for researchers and practitioners on selected topics and hosts ad hoc meetings of experts to address important policy questions (on as-yet unspecified topics). Committee on Population Home Page
Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy (COSEPUP) Organized in 1962, this committee is charged with the responsibility "to deliberate on initiatives for new studies in the area of science and technology policy, taking especially into account the concerns and requests of the President's Science Adviser, the Directory of the National Science Foundation, the Chairman of the National Science Board, and the chairman of key science and technology related committees of Congress." The committee's membership will be drawn from the memberships of the, NAS, NAE and IOM. Representation on the committee from the three Councils will not fall below two from each Council; as many as 10 members may be appointed at large from the memberships of the three organizations. Committee on Science, Engineering
and Public Policy Home Page
Committee on Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) The committee will increase the participation of women in the scientific and engineering (S&E) labor force by; (1) serving as an institutional focus at the national level that can coordinate, monitor, and advocate action; (2) serving as a resouce for organizations and individuals seeking information about the status of women in S&E education and employment; (3) formulating strategies to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on the needs and status of and opportunities for women in science and engineering; (4) reviewing federal and other policies designed to enhance the role of women in science and engineering; and (5) formulating timely policy recommendations for appropriate federal, industrial, and other sectors to develop programs that remove barriers to the participation of women in the sciences and engineering. Committee on Women in Science and
Engineering Home Page
Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) The board's purpose is:
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Division of Health Care Services (HCS) HCS, a formally appointed panel of clinicians, researchers, educators, and administrators, oversees the activities at the Institute of Medicine concerned with the organization, financing, and delivery of health care serves with special emphasis on the quality, cost , accessibility, and workforce requirements of those services. In seeking to advance scientific knowledge and the well being of individuals and communities, the HCS promotes independent, reliable and scholarly analysis and advice to government, professional groups patient and consumer audiences, members of the health industry and the public in general. The Division identifies and monitors high-priority policy issues, provides guidance on the conduct of studies and other projects, and on occasion carries out such analyses. Division of Health Care Services
Home Page
Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) The mission of the division includes:
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Division of Health Sciences Policy (HSP) The division seeks to foster a productive interaction between scientists and policymakers
Division of Health Sciences Policy
Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health (NBH) Organized in 1981 this division identifies key problems and issues in the fields of mental and addictive disorders and the biobehavioral sciences. It develops the concepts and specifications for activities in these areas that might be appropriated for the IOM and responds to the requests for studies and advice from Congress and federal agencies. Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral
Health Home Page
Division on Education, Labor, and Human Performance (DELPH)
Division on Education, Labor, and
Human Performance Home Page
Division of Military Science and Technology (DMST) The Division oversees the work of the Air Force Science and Technology Board an the Board on Army Science and Technology. These boards provide independent, objective and credible advice to the Air Force and Army. Division of Military Science and
Technology Home Page
Division of Social and Economic Studies (DSES) Division of Social and Economic Studies
Home Page
Executive Records Office (ERO) The Executive Records Office (ERO) provides daily filing services for the NAS/NRC Executive Offices (NAS President/NRC Chairman, NAS Vice President, NAS/NRC Executive Officer, NRC Chief Operating Officer, and the NAS/NRC General Counsel) and serves as a repository for documents (committee nomination packages and proposals for funding) whose parent offices deposit with ERO for evidentiary reasons. ERO provides central management of key categories of papers (primarily contractual, fiscal, appointment, and legal) for these offices.
Federal Facilities Council (FFC) Organized in 1952, the council provides its federal agency members with an opportunity to define and solve common problems related to the design, construction, and operation of federal facilities. The council defines and addresses an agenda of technical questions based on the shared problems of designing, producing, and managing federal facilitates, including the constraints associated with the use of new technologies. Federal Facilities Council Home Page
The Fellowship Office, a unit of the Office of Scientific and Engineering Personnel, administers the predoctoral dissertation and postdoctoral fellowships programs for the institution. Fellowship Office Home Page
Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) The Food and Nutrition Board, established more than 50 years ago,
Food and Nutrition Board Home Page
The Governing Board, which sets policy for and provides oversight of the National Research Council, consists of
Government - University - Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR) Organized in 1984, the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable provides a forum where scientists, engineers, administrators, and policymakers from government, universities, and industry can come together on an ongoing basis to explore ways to improve the productivity of the nation's science and technology enterprise. The Roundtable's object is to try to understand issues, to inject imaginative thought into the system and to provide a setting for the seeking of common ground. It does not make recommendations nor offer specific advice, but brings together principals from all three sectors to define and explore critical issues related to the National Science and Technology agenda, to frame upcoming critical questions, and to incubate activities of ongoing value. Government - University - Industry
Research Roundtable Home Page
Information and Technology Services (ITS) The Office of Information and Technology Services provides information technology and information management services solutions to Academy-complex staff, study volunteers and Academy members.
Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) The Institute serves as a coordinating agency and a national and international resource for compiling and disseminating information on laboratory animals, promoting education, planning and conducting conferences and symposia, surveying existing and required facilities and resources, upgrading laboratory animal resources, and promoting high quality, humane dare of laboratory animals. ILAR is guided by a council, made up of experts in laboratory animal medicine, zoology, genetics, medicine, and related biomedical sciences. Institute of Laboratory Animal
Resources Home Page
Institute of Medicine (IOM)
Although the Institute of Medicine is not part of the formal structure of the National Research Council, its program is subject to approval by the NRC Governing Board, and its reports are subject to the Report Review Committee. The Institute's members, elected on the basis of their professional achievement, serve without compensation in the conduct of studies, conferences and other Institute inquiries into matters of national policy for health. Election to active membership is both an honor and a commitment to serve in Institute affairs. Members are asked to renew their commitment every five years, or they may choose to become nonvoting senior members. On reaching age 66, members automatically are transferred to senior status. By charter, the Institute's active membership consists of "not more than 600 persons selected from the fields of health and medicine...and from such other fields related to health and medicine as the natural, social, and behavioral sciences, law, administration, government service, and engineering." An unusual diversity of talent among Institute members is assured by the charter stipulation that at least one-quarter of them be selected from professions other than those primarily concerned with medicine and health. They, together with the health professionals in the membership, bring a breadth and depth of competence necessary for studies of today's health problems, which have many more dimensions than the traditional concerns of medicine. Institute of Medicine Home Page
Manufacturing Studies Board (MSB) See Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design
Organized in 1965, the Marine Board serves the national interest by initiating, and by responding to requests for evaluations and advice concerning the nation's capability to accomplish its marine and maritime objectives. Marine Board Home Page
Medical Follow-Up Agency (MFUA) The committee will advise on the effective use of the medical experience of the military veteran population for studies on the epidemiology and natural history of disease. The committee develops overall programs in utilizing the medical and other records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Armed Forces, and other Federal agencies for approved research projects. The IOM and the Federal agencies concerned rely upon the Committee to see that the medical experience of war veterans is available to medial investigators for worthwhile research, to ensure the quality of the work that is undertaken, and to protect the records resources of the agencies from inappropriate use. Medical Follow-Up Agency Home Page
National Academy of Engineering (NAE) The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. National Academy of Engineering Home Page
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) The National Academy of Sciences is a private, non-profit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce Alberts is the president of the National Academy of Sciences. Members and foreign associates of the Academy are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research; election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a scientist or engineer. The Academy membership is comprised of approximately 1,800 members and 300 foreign associates, of whom 129 have won Nobel Prizes. Comprising all of the sciences, the membership of the National Academy of Sciences is divided into 25 sections: mathematics; astronomy; physics; chemistry; geology; geophysics; biochemistry; cellular and developmental biology; physiology and pharmacology; neurobiology; plant biology; genetics; population biology, evolution, and ecology; engineering sciences; applied mathematical sciences; applied physical sciences; medical genetics, hematology, and oncology; medical physiology and metabolism; microbiology and immunology; anthropology; psychology; social and political sciences; economic sciences; animal sciences and human nutrition; and plant, soil, and microbial sciences. National Academy of Sciences Home
Page
The National Academy Press was created by the National Academy of Sciences to publish the reports issued by the Academy and by the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council. NAP publishes over 200 books a year on a wide reange of topics in science, engineering, and health. National Academy Press Home Page
National Materials Advisory Board (NMAB) Within the scope of the national academies the general purpose of the National Materials Advisory Board shall be the advancement of materials science and engineering in the national interest. The board has been in existence since 1951. National Materials Advisory Board
Home Page
National Research Council (NRC) The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of further knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the National Research Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The National Research Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is the chairman of the National Research Council. National Research Council Home Page
National Science Resources Center (NSRC) The National Science Resources Center has been established as a joint venture of the National Research Council and the Smithsonian Institution to improve the teaching of science in the nation's elementary and secondary schools. The Center is located in the Arts and Industries Building of the Smithsonian Institution. National Science Resources Center
Home Page
National Weather Service Modernization Committee (NWSMC) The committee reviews the modernization and associated restructuring of NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) (1) to help ensure a successful and cost-effective transition to the modernized and restructured NWS envisioned in the NOAA Strategic Plan that will improve weather services to the nation; and (2) to ensure a continuous modernization to capitalize on the substantial investment already made in new technology and opportunities available from emerging scientific and technological research and development efforts that will complement and enhance the modernization. The committee assesses the appropriate technological and scientific capabilities and examines the NWS planning and implementation necessary to fulfill these program objectives. National Weather Service Modernization
Committee Home Page
As mutually agreed upon between the Chief of Naval Operations and the President of the National Academy of Sciences and with the appropriate attention to the influence of the domestic economy, national objectives, social imperatives, and anticipated military requirements, the board conducts and reports upon surveys and studies in the field of scientific research and development applicable to the operation and function of the Navy. Naval Studies Board Home Page
Ocean Studies Board (OSB) The board contributes to the advancement of the scientific understanding of the ocean by:
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Office of Central Europe and Eurasia (OCEE) The Office for Central Europe and Eurasia (OCEE), a component of the Office of International Affairs of the NRC, organizes and manges collaborative activities relating to countries of the former Soviet Union and Central Europe. Office of Central Europe
and Eurasia Home Page
Office of Congressional and Government Affairs (OCGA) The Office of Congressional and Government Affairs:
Established in 1983, the Office of Development was created to raise funds for endowment, income from which allows the Academy to independently pursue its own studies and initiatives. Office of Development Home Page
Office of Health Policy Programs and Fellowships (HPPF) The Office of Health Policy Programs and Fellowships serves as the Program Office for two national health policy felowship programs, the Robert Wood Johnson Health POlicy Fellowship Program and the Pew Health Policy Program, an educational lecture series as well as a fast-track study on Medicare Managed Care. Office of Health Policy Programs
and Fellowships Home Page
Office of Human Resources (OHR) Office of Human Resources Home Page
Office of International Affairs (OIA) The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is concerned with the development of international and national policies to promote more effective application of science and technology to pressing economic and social problems facing both industrialized and developing countries. OIA participates in international cooperative activities, engages in joint studies and projects with counterpart organizations, manages scientific exchange programs, and represents the Academy complex at many national and international meetings directed toward facilitating international cooperation in science and engineering. It provides advice and guidance to other units of the Academy complex in carrying out their international activities. The boards and committees of OIA plan and execute operational program activities. Program oversight is provided by the Executive Board whose membership includes the foreign secretaries of NAS, NAE, and IOM. The foreign secretary of the National Academy of Sciences serves as chairman of the Executive Board and is, ex officio, a member of all the U.S. national committees of all boards and committees of OIA; other members of the Executive Board serve, ex officio, as appropriate, on the various boards and committees of OIA. Office of International Affairs Home
Page
The primary objectives of the Office of Japan Affairs are to provide a resource to the Academy complex and the broader U.S. science and engineering communities for information on Japanese science and technology, to promote better working relationships between the technical communities in the two countries by developing a process of deepened dialogue on issues of mutual concern, and to address policy issues surrounding a changing U.S.-Japan science and technology relationship. Office of Japan Affairs
Office of News and Public Information (ONPI)
Office of Public Understanding of Science (OPUS) The work of the NAS Office of Public Understanding of Science (NAS/OPUS) will be overseen by a 16-member Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will report to the NAS Council 2 times per year. It will ensure compliance of existing projects with the vision and mission of NAS/OPUS; identify new projects appropriate to NAS/OPUS' vision and mission; assist with access to media and other communications outlets; evaluate various media in terms of effectiveness in reaching the public; participate in leading specific projects where appropriate; serve on subpanels to advise on specific projects to be determined; help to develop dissemination strategies for OPUS projects; recommend sources of core and project funding; assess periodically the degree to which NAS/OPUS is meeting its overall vision and mission. Office of Public Understanding of
Science Home Page
Office of Scientific and Engineering Personnel (OSEP) The mission of the office is to monitor the health of the science and engineering human resource base in the United States, to highlight national human resource issues, and to provide financial support to promising scientists and engineers. OSEP carries out this mission through the operational activities of Associateship and Fellowship Programs and through a variety of statistical and analytic activities. It administers two surveys which provide information on new doctorates and the doctoral population. This information is widely disseminated and used. And it currently undertakes analytic activities in the following areas: measurement of the human resource base; future supply and demand; the science/engineering education enterprise; recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups; career paths and trends; and effectiveness of intervention strategies. Oversight of and strategic guidance for the activities of the office is provided by the OSEP Advisory Committee. Office of Scientific
and Engineering Personnel Home Page
Office of Special Projects (OSP) The Office of Special Projects (OSP), established in 1997, explores and undertakes selected cross-institutional tasks that do not fit the programs of other units in the Division or other parts of the NRC. Among its tasks are papers synthesizing the reports of the Academy complex, forums, work wide web centers, and an internship program for the complex. Office of Special Projects
Organizations and Members (O&M) This database contains information about the members and committees of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine as well as information about the program activities of the National Research Council. The two academies and the institute are private membership societies, whose members are elected by their peers on the basis of their contributions to the respective fields of endeavor. All three organizations are established under provisions of the Act of Incorporation for the National Academy of Sciences, passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Lincoln in 1863. The National Research Council is the operational means by which the two academies discharge the responsibility to advise government on matters of science and technology as provided in the 1863 Act. To provide this advice, the National Research Council organizes committees of experts who serve without compensation. The Institute of Medicine also advises government on matters of science and technology related to health care. The Institute of Medicine programs are subject to the policies and procedures of the National Research Council. This database contains information about the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine program committees and their members, from 1983 to the present. Organizations and Members Home Page
Organized in 1958, the Polar Research Board serves as an advisory board on United States programs of research in the polar regions, and provides NAS representation to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) of the International Council of Scientific Unions and to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC). Polar Research Board Home Page
The Policy Division (PD) was established in 1994 in order to better integrate the programs of the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP), the Government-University-Industry research Roundtable (GUIRR), and the Board on Science Technology, and Economic Policy (STEP) that share program interests in broad areas of science, technology, and economic policy. Policy Division Home Page
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), established in 1915, publishes research reports, commentaries, reviews, colloquium papers, and actions of the Academy. PNAS is a multidisciplinary journal that covers the biological, physical, and social sciences. Published biweekly, PNAS reaches more than 25,000 readers worldwide. PNAS is ranked as the second most-cited scientific serial in the world by the Institute for Scientific Information and is available by print subscription. Until December 31, 1997, PNAS is also available free of charge online. PNAS Home Page
Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) Radiation Effects Research Foundation Home Page
The committee, appointed from the NAS NAE IOM membership monitors on a continuous basis the review process for Academy-National Research Council reports.
Research Associateship Program (RAP) Research Associateship Program
Space Studies Board (SSB)
Space Studies Board Home Page
Transportation Research Board (TRB) The purpose of the Transportation Research Board is to advance knowledge concerning the nature and performance of transportation systems and their interaction with society through the stimulation of research and the dissemination of information resulting from research. The Transportation Research Board maintains very extensive committee activity in virtually all areas of transportation research. It is impractical to list in this book all of the 4,000 or so men and women who serve on these committees. A separate directory listing of all participants in its activities and the scopes of its committees is published by the Transportation Research Board each year. Copies are available from the board's Executive Director. Listed here are the members of senior committees and councils. Other committees and panels are listed by title with only the chairman named. Transportation Research Board Home
Page
Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) The Water Science and Technology Board was organized in 1982. It serves as the focal point for National Research Council studies related to water resources. The objective of the board is to improve the scientific and technological bases for resolving important questions and issues associated with the efficient management, development, and use of water resources. The scientific engineering, economic, institutional, legal, educational, and social aspects of water resources are all areas of concern. Water Science and Technology Board
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