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Fellowship/Professional Development Program

New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is a cohort-based leadership program that promotes collaboration among outstanding mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals during a two-year term of service. The program aims to expand the expertise engaged in the convening and advisory functions of the National Academies while building a network of emerging U.S. leaders to address national and global challenges.

Applications open

July 7 – September 3, 2025 11:59 PM

Under review

September 5 – November 30, 2025

Recipient announcements

December 1, 2025

News and updates

Think. Build. Heal. Tell the Story.

Update

A recently published Perspective in PNAS Nexus, led by Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem and co-authored by members of New Voices Cohort 3, explores how scientists, engineers, and health professionals can strengthen public trust in science through storytelling, community engagement, and human-centered communication. The authors highlight the importance of sharing the personal experiences, values, and motivations behind scientific work to help bridge the gap between research and society, making science more relatable, accessible, and impactful.

Jul 1, 2026
JPG, photo of New Voices orientation group photo (Cohort 3), Alison Boland-Reeves authored the photo. New Voices program and Office of Fellowships (OFELL)

New Voices Program for Emerging STEM Leaders Announces 2026 Cohort

News Release

Twenty outstanding mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals joins the National Academies’ New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, a program that aims to expand the expertise engaged in National Academies work while developing a network of U.S. leaders to address national and global challenges. “Now more than ever, we need to nurture the next generation of talented American researchers, who are the future leaders of the U.S. science and innovation enterprise,” said NAS President Marcia McNutt.

Feb 6, 2026

New Voices members appointed to Workshop Committee for Rethinking Researcher Assessment

Update

Jun 18, 2025
Two people standing at a podium, speaking and presenting to an audience.
About Application and Review Process Awardees Resources News and Updates

News and updates

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Think. Build. Heal. Tell the Story.

Update

A recently published Perspective in PNAS Nexus, led by Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem and co-authored by members of New Voices Cohort 3, explores how scientists, engineers, and health professionals can strengthen public trust in science through storytelling, community engagement, and human-centered communication. The authors highlight the importance of sharing the personal experiences, values, and motivations behind scientific work to help bridge the gap between research and society, making science more relatable, accessible, and impactful.

Jul 1, 2026

JPG, photo of New Voices orientation group photo (Cohort 3), Alison Boland-Reeves authored the photo. New Voices program and Office of Fellowships (OFELL)

PNAS Nexus Publication: Think. Build. Heal. And Now, Tell the Story.

Update

Jamaji C. Nwanaji Enwerem (Cohort 2024–2026) led the writing of a peer-reviewed perspective article titled "Think. Build. Heal. And Now, Tell the Story.", which was published in PNAS Nexus in May 2026. Drawing from the experience of more than 17 New Voices co-authors, the article examines the role of scientists, engineers, and health professionals in strengthening public trust through storytelling, lived experience, and community engagement. Drawing on contemporary challenges facing scientific institutions and public trust, the article offers a nonpartisan perspective on how STEM professionals can communicate their work more effectively and foster stronger connections between science and society. The work contributed to ongoing discussions about public trust in science and the role of science communication in engaging communities.

May 19, 2026

Workshop on Wildfire Modeling and Artificial Intelligence

Update

On March 17–18, 2025, Hussam Mahmoud (Cohort 2022–2024) served as chair of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) workshop on Wildfire Modelling and Artificial Intelligence. The workshop convened experts from 10 countries representing academia, government, and research organizations to examine how advances in artificial intelligence can improve wildfire prediction, risk assessment, monitoring, and response. Participants discussed the challenges of modeling increasingly complex wildfire behavior in communities, integrating diverse data sources, supporting decision-making for emergency management, and addressing the impacts of wildfires on communities and ecosystems. As workshop chair, Hussam helped shape the agenda, facilitate discussions, and guide the development of recommendations on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing wildfire science and management. Through this leadership role, he fostered interdisciplinary dialogue among experts in wildfire modeling, data science, artificial intelligence, and disaster risk reduction, while helping identify opportunities for future international collaboration and research.

Mar 17, 2026

National Academy of Sciences building

New Voices Members Elected to AAAS Nominations and Leadership Development Committee

Update

From March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, New Voices members Karma Sawyer (Cohort 2024-2026), Kiana Aran (Cohort 2024-2026), and Hussam Mahmoud (Cohort 2021-2023) were elected to serve on the AAAS Nominations and Leadership Development Committee. In this role, they will contribute to identifying and supporting candidates for leadership positions within the American Association for the Advancement of Science, helping to strengthen inclusive and effective scientific governance.

Mar 1, 2026

NAS Seal in the Members' Center Room, marble mantel at the NAS Building

AAAS Sesson on Helping Global Science Thrive Under Pressure

Update

On February 14, 2026, Rachel Gallery, Mariel Lavieri, and Jim Yoon (Cohort 2024–2026) organized and led the session "Helping Global Science Thrive Under Pressure" at the AAAS 2026 Annual Meeting, with additional coordinating support from Michael Martin and Alison Boland-Reeves. The panel brought together scientific leaders from around the world to discuss how researchers and scientific institutions have sustained scientific progress amid adversity, including conflict, limited resources, restrictive policies, challenges to academic freedom, and shifting funding priorities. Panelists shared global perspectives on resilience, innovation, and collaboration, providing lessons and strategies for navigating challenges within the U.S. research ecosystem. The session fostered international dialogue on sustaining scientific excellence and strengthening research communities in the face of evolving global pressures.

Feb 14, 2026

New Voices at the 2026 AAAS Annual Meeting

Update

A contingent of New Voices members attended the 2026 AAAS Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, where they contributed to science-policy discussions, led member-organized sessions, and strengthened connections across cohorts. Attendees included Darshan Karwat and Michael Martin from Cohort 2021–2023; Eri Saikawa, Holly Mayton, Jim Yoon, Mariel Lavieri, Rachel Gallery, and Melanie Napier from Cohort 2024–2026; and Nyeema Harris from Cohort 2026–2028. For several members, the meeting marked their first AAAS Annual Meeting and their first science-policy focused conference. New Voices members hosted two sessions: “Assessing the Health Risks of Environmental Exposures,” co-organized by Melanie Napier and Eri Saikawa, with Melanie serving as facilitator and Eri as a presenter, which explored cumulative environmental health risks, community perspectives in risk assessment, and occupational health considerations; and “Helping Global Science Thrive Under Pressure,” organized by Mariel Lavieri, co-organized by Jim Yoon, and moderated by Rachel Gallery, which highlighted global perspectives on resilience, innovation, and collaboration in sustaining science amid adversity, including limited resources, restrictive policies, conflict, and challenges to academic freedom. In addition to the formal sessions, New Voices members convened for a cross-cohort dinner, creating an opportunity for members from different cohorts to connect, exchange experiences, and strengthen relationships across the New Voices network.

Feb 12, 2026

New Voices Program for Emerging STEM Leaders Announces 2026 Cohort

News Release

Twenty outstanding mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals joins the National Academies’ New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, a program that aims to expand the expertise engaged in National Academies work while developing a network of U.S. leaders to address national and global challenges. “Now more than ever, we need to nurture the next generation of talented American researchers, who are the future leaders of the U.S. science and innovation enterprise,” said NAS President Marcia McNutt.

Feb 6, 2026

New voices at the 2026 US-Africa Frontiers Symposium

Update

New Voices members participated in the 2026 US–Africa Frontiers Symposium, held February 2–4, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal. The symposium, organized in partnership with the Senegal Academy of Science and Technology (ANSTS), Foundation ANSTS, and Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), brought together scientists, engineers, and medical professionals to advance international dialogue and shape the scientific agenda across five focus areas: critical minerals and materials, AI for decision-making, bioinformatics, food security and nutrition, and child and maternal health. New Voices participants included Asmeret Asefaw Berhe (Cohort 2018–2020) and Monica Dus (Cohort 2024-2026), with Asmeret serving as Co-Chair of the overall organizing committee and Monica serving as Co-Chair of the Food Security and Nutrition section.

Feb 2, 2026

Supporting Application Review for the Gulf Futures Challenge

Update

From December 5, 2024, to January 22, 2026, Eri Saikawa (Cohort 2024–2026) reviewed proposals for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Gulf Futures Challenge. Her participation supported the proposal evaluation process and contributed scientific expertise to the assessment of submissions.

Jan 22, 2026

Speaking Engagement: Young Academy-Academia Freedom in Times of Crisis

Update

On December 3, 2025, Mariel Lavieri (Cohort 2024–2026) participated in the panel "Challenges to Academic Freedom Today" at the Academic Freedom in Times of Crisis event organized by the Young Academy of Sweden to protect academic freedom and strengthen conditions for independent scientific research. Representing New Voices, she spoke about the importance of scientific curiosity and preserving the freedom to pursue research questions without immediate or obvious application. She highlighted the role of the scientific community in supporting different perspectives and fostering open inquiry.

Dec 3, 2025

Headshot of Mariel Lavieri

Committee Service on the Board on Higher Education and Workforce

Update

From Summer 2024 to Winter 2025, Amanda Vernon (Cohort 2024–2026) served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Board on Higher Education and Workforce (BHEW). During her term, she provided strategic guidance on NASEM activities, reports, and potential new initiatives. Her contributions helped inform the board's discussions and priorities related to higher education, workforce development, and emerging areas of study.

Dec 1, 2025

Vernon.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT4ADE07864DD3454C950524ECAB92092D/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

Amplifying Global South Voices for Climate Action and Evidence-Based Policymaking at COP30

Update

On November 18, 2025, Eri Saikawa and Rachel Gallery (Cohort 2024–2026) organized a side event, "Amplifying Global South Voices for Climate Action and Evidence-Based Policymaking," at the United Nations climate negotiations, known as COP30, in Belém, Brazil. In collaboration with Climate Crossroads and Instituto Andino de Montaña, they facilitated a discussion on how research and practice can inform effective climate action and policymaking. The event elevated perspectives from the Global South and fostered dialogue on strengthening the use of evidence in climate policy and decision-making.

Nov 18, 2025

University of Michigan Event on Serving in the Academies

Update

In November 12, 2025, Mariel Lavieri and Monica Dus (Cohort 2024–2026) participated in a lunch session held as part of the University of Michigan's "Serving in the Academies" event, featuring keynote speaker NAS President Dr. Marcia McNutt. Representing New Voices, they joined McNutt on a panel for recently tenured faculty to discuss pathways for engaging with and volunteering for the National Academies. They shared perspectives on the value of early-career involvement in NASEM activities, the importance of broadening participation in national scientific leadership, and how service within the Academies can support professional development and strengthen the scientific enterprise. Their participation helped raise awareness of opportunities for engagement with the National Academies and encouraged broader participation in scientific leadership and service.

Nov 12, 2025

Committee Service for On Being a Scientist Consensus Study

Update

Five New Voices members contributed to On Being a Scientist: An Updated and Online Guide to the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research through both consensus study committee and panel service. Mitul Luhar and Emily Pentzer (Cohort 2024-2026) served as members of the consensus study committee, while Kiana Aran and Monica Dus (Cohort 2024-2026) served on the panel on Openness and Security, Stephanie Diem (Cohort 2021-2023) served on the panel on Collaborating Responsibly. Through this work, New Voices members participated in discussions and contributed perspectives on responsible research practices, research security, openness, collaboration, and trust in science. Their participation brought essential mid-career perspectives to a major National Academies resource that is widely used as a training guide for early- and mid-career lab scientists, helping ensure that the updated guidance reflects the realities of today’s research environments. This engagement also builds on prior New Voices participation in the related On Leading a Lab workshop.

Nov 1, 2025

GUIPRR and NSB workshop on Rebalancing the Future Research Ecosystem: From Vision to Action

Update

From October 28–29, 2025, Monica Dus (Cohort 2024–2026) attended the Government–University–Industry–Philanthropy Research Roundtable (GUIPRR) and the National Science Board (NSB) workshop, “Rebalancing the Future Research Ecosystem: From Vision to Action,” in Washington, DC. Monica served as a panel speaker, discussing how the University of Michigan's Office of the Vice President for Research fosters collaborations among university researchers, trainees, and scientists at national and federal laboratories to strengthen innovation ecosystems. Her participation contributed to discussions on building cross-sector partnerships and advancing strategies to support the future research enterprise.

Oct 28, 2025

Headshot of Monica Dus

Career Session with the Center on Forced Displacement Virtual Research Methods Course

Update

On October 27, 2025, Angel Desai, Mariel Lavieri, and Eri Saikawa (Cohort 2024-2026) attended the Committee on Human Rights (CHR) and Boston University's Interdisciplinary Research Methods Course for Displaced Scholars virtual "coffee hour" session. They introduced their work and career paths and answered questions from displaced scholars. Their participation facilitated knowledge sharing and engagement with displaced scholars, fostering professional connections and dialogue across the research community.

Oct 27, 2025

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) building

2025 Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum

Update

From October 5–6, 2025, Jamaji C. Nwanaji Enwerem (Cohort 2024-2026) attended the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum Annual Meeting in Kyoto, Japan. The forum convened global leaders from science, government, industry, and academia to examine how advances in science and technology intersect with policy, ethics, equity, and societal trust. Jamaji contributed a physician-scientist perspective to discussions on the implications of innovation for health, public well-being, and the responsible translation of research into practice, helping to inform dialogue on the societal impacts of emerging technologies.

Oct 5, 2025

The Future Research Agenda for Young Scientists Meeting with the South African Young Academy

Update

On September 21, 2025, Eri Saikawa (Cohort 2024-2026) attended the Academy of Science of South Africa and the South African Young Academy of Science virtual meeting, "The Future Research Agenda for Young Scientists." She provided the opening remarks and participated in discussions on how collaboration, cross-disciplinary approaches, and science diplomacy can amplify the impact of research. Eri's participation contributed to international dialogue on advancing research that addresses global challenges through equitable and sustainable solutions.

Sep 21, 2025

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