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Professional Development

Professional development helps individuals build skills and advance their careers. The National Academies study training programs and policies that support lifelong learning and adaptability. 

What's happening

Submission Period Now Open for the 2026 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications; $640,000 To Be Awarded

News Release

Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. The awards honor exceptional science communicators, science journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work that addresses issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine for the general public.

Mar 2, 2026
Presentation of 2025 awards on Nov. 14, 2025 (photo by David Asche Photography)

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

National Academies Welcome Inaugural Cohort of Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Fellows

News Release

Ten fellows will join the National Academies’ new Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Program, launched recently to engage early-career professionals in developing the evidence basis needed to meet future regulatory challenges presented by novel products of biotechnology. These fellows will identify possible regulatory frameworks for the cutting-edge products expected to emerge over the next several decades and provide government agencies with options for effective regulation.

Feb 2, 2026
Scientist pipetting DNA sample into eppendorf tube

Featured Publications

Featured work

Careers that Care: Strengthening the Future of Animal Research Professions

Educational/Outreach Activity

In Formation
Close up of someone wearing blue gloves and holding a mouse.

Investigating the Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the Careers of Women in Academic Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Guidance for K-12 Education on Responding to COVID-19

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Teacher Development Continuum in the United States and China: A Workshop

Other

Completed

Bridges to Independence: Identifying Opportunities for and Challenges to Fostering the Independence of Young Investigators in the Life Sciences

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Work Environment for Nurses and Patient Safety

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

The Postdoctoral Experience Revisited

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Trends and Opportunities in Federal Earth Science Education and Workforce Training

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Defining Deeper Learning and 21st Century Skills

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Workplace Barriers, Solutions, and Policies for STEM and STEM Education Professionals and Postsecondary Students with Disabilities

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Units

Transportation Research Board Executive Office

Oversight Unit

In Formation

Forum on Public-Private Partnerships for Global Health and Safety

Roundtable/Forum

Completed

Office of Fellowships

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Health Care and Public Health Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Extensive series of patients, doctors and nurses of various ages and ethnicities in a modern exam room. Used for: A Long COVID Definition A Chronic, Systemic Disease State with Profound Consequences

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Office of International Networks, Cooperation, and Security (INCS)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Science and Engineering Education and Workforce Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Diverse Engineers Discussing New Powerful Microchip to Put it Inside the Modern Drone. Innovative Technologies in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Concept.

Social and Economic Systems Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Happy and smiling multiracial family with grandparents by the beach in New England

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Transit Cooperative Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress
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