Who We Are

Created to Advise the Nation 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (The National Academies) provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. Learn more about our history.

As the operating and principal programmatic arm of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the National Research Council has established these guiding principles:

Our Vision

A nation and a world that rely on scientific evidence to make decisions that benefit humanity.

Our Mission

The National Academies provide independent, trustworthy advice and facilitate solutions to complex challenges by mobilizing expertise, practice, and knowledge in science, engineering, and medicine.

Our Core Values

Independence, Objectivity, Rigor, Integrity, Inclusivity, Truth

As separate operating units, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine have crafted mission, vision, and values statements informed by their members and specific to their disciplines.  You can find them on their websites, linked at the bottom of this page.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement and Guiding Principles

The National Academies value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact. We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. Read the entire DEI Statement and Guiding Principles.

Our Leadership 

Learn more about the presidents of our three Academies and our executive team. Each Academy is governed by its own council elected from the Academy's membership.  The National Research Council, the operating arm of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, is overseen by a governing board that consists councilors from each of the three Academies. 

 

Our Members

Members are elected to the NAS, NAE, or NAM in recognition of outstanding achievements, and membership is considered one of the highest professional honors. Among the world's most distinguished scientists, engineers, and health care professionals, our members are essential to the work we do.