Driving progress for the benefit of society by providing independent, objective advice to advance science, engineering, and medicine.
An Instrument Nature Can Play: Data, Sound, and the Work of Imagination in Science
Announcement
Singer Jewel shares her latest work and how her collaboration with open data from NASA, NOAA, USGS, and NSF comes together to show how creativity helps people connect more deeply to their environment by making science more visible, tangible, and participatory. At this public lecture on March 25, Jewel will be joined by Greg Niemeyer, a professor of media innovation at the University of California, Berkeley, and Chelle Gentemann, open science program scientist at NASA.
Mar 20, 2026
International Member Awarded Abel Prize
Announcement
This year’s Abel Prize is being awarded to National Academy of Sciences international member Gerd Faltings for introducing powerful tools in arithmetic geometry. Presented annually by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the prize acknowledges groundbreaking scientific achievements within the discipline of mathematics and celebrates exceptional mathematicians and their work. (photo: Peter Badge/Typos1/The Abel Prize)
Mar 25, 2026
- Space Science Week Plenary Session Mar 20, 2026 Announcement
- NAS Members Receive Turing Award Mar 20, 2026 Announcement
- Clinicians Should Focus on Symptom Evaluation and Continuity of Care Following Jet Fuel Releases in Oahu, Says New Report Examining Health Risks from Potential Exposures Mar 19, 2026 News Release
Ways we are making a difference
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Discover what the National Academies are doing to strengthen the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
In Focus
Our Work on Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence increasingly becomes a part of daily life, the National Academies are advising the government on AI use, policy, ethics, and innovation. Explore our work, from making machine learning safer in high-stakes applications to setting standards for how AI is used in health and medicine.
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Advancing a Robust U.S. Economy
Much of the National Academies’ work contributes to building a stronger, more competitive U.S. economy. We apply our expertise to spur innovation, bolster industrial capacity, modernize America’s infrastructure, and develop a skilled technical workforce for the 21st century.
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Supporting State and Local Decision Making
Many science-related challenges that affect people’s health, environment, and livelihoods directly and profoundly require responses at the state, local, and regional levels. National Academies studies, workshops, and other projects help policymakers and communities better understand and navigate these challenges.
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Our Work on Transportation
We rely on working transportation and infrastructure to go about our daily lives: a reliable electrical grid, durable buildings, and safe roads for all. The National Academies provide insights on how to create and maintain these critical systems to build a strong foundation for America’s future.
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Environment and Biology
The National Academies study biodiversity, climate change, and the biological sciences to inform conservation and support environmental health. Explore research that helps communities adapt, protect nature, and build a more sustainable world. Photo Credit: Chris Michel
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Strengthening the U.S. Research Enterprise
A strong research enterprise drives innovation and discovery, improves Americans’ health and well-being, and protects national security. Learn more about our work on advancing U.S. leadership in science, protecting research integrity, and training a resilient STEM labor force.
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Participate in a one-hour guided tour of the historic National Academy of Sciences building, highlighting its distinctive architecture, renowned artwork, and the intersection of art, science, and culture.