Each year, thousands of top experts in their fields volunteer their time and extensive knowledge to the National Academies. The contributions of volunteers and expert staff drive progress, innovation, and positive change for the betterment of society.
National Academies’ Expert Volunteers
As a volunteer with the National Academies, you will join a network of renowned experts, practitioners, and thought leaders in helping to shape the future of our nation. Testimonials from our volunteers cite the experience as a highly rewarding and enriching experience, both personally and professionally.
The volunteer experience offers a unique opportunity to network with experts both inside and outside of your field. Service as a volunteer can lead to cross-disciplinary collaborations, new research projects, and broadening perspectives — all while contributing your expertise to solving society’s toughest challenges.
In Service of Our Nation
An Unwavering Mission
Learn About Our Purpose
Pledge of Excellence
Learn About Our Process
Expert Advice, Real Results
Experts play essential roles across our activities. Consensus study committees analyze evidence and provide formal advice to tackle complex topics. Planning committees design workshops and symposia by framing key questions and identifying experts to lend their knowledge and perspectives. Members of standing committees and other convening bodies help inform stakeholders and the National Academies on emerging issues and guide the direction of future work.
Our workshops, symposia, and other meetings and events bring leading experts in a field together to share the latest research and explore solutions to critical issues facing the nation.
As a final check on quality and objectivity, the National Academies recruit independent experts to review and comment on all publications prior to being finalized and released.
Projects often seek input from individuals with lived experience relating to the topics we are addressing. Sharing your story helps deepen understanding of an issue and informs the development of more effective, impactful, and evidence-based solutions.
A Call for Experts is issued for each activity that will be supported by an appointed committee or activity membership.
Feedback on our projects and activities can be provided as they are initiated and throughout their duration.
Our Members
Our volunteer experts include distinguished members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine. Election to the Academies is considered one of the highest honors among scientists, engineers, and health professionals. Each year, new members are elected by current members based on outstanding achievement and commitment to service.