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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.

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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