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The Office of Fellowships administers a diverse portfolio of National Academies-wide fellowship programs that support researchers and policy professionals to accelerate scientific innovation and progress.

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Gulf Research Program Welcomes 12 New Science Policy Fellows

News Release

The National Academies’ Gulf Research Program announced today its 2026 cohort of Science Policy Fellows. Beginning Sept. 1, the 12 fellows will spend one year on the staff of federal, state, and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the Gulf region.

Sep 1, 2026

New Voices Cohort 4 has formed four new working groups

Update

We’re excited to share that New Voices Cohort 4 (2026–2028) has formed four new working groups around the current issues they want to explore during their two-year term of service.

Aug 28, 2026

Inaugural Cohort of Biotechnology Regulatory Fellows Present Capstone Projects

Feature Story

The 10 inaugural fellows of the National Academies’ Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Program recently completed their six-month residency in Washington, D.C. The fellowship was developed to help early-career professionals build an understanding of the evidence base needed to meet potential regulatory challenges presented by novel products of biotechnology.

Aug 19, 2026

Inaugural Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship capstone project event 2026

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

Update to Track System for 2026 Application Cycle

Update

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) has updated the track structure for the 2026 Early-Career Research Fellowship (ECRF) cycle to more clearly align with the guiding impact areas of the GRP while building on the focus and intent of the fellowship’s existing tracks. For the 2026 application cycle, the ECRF will offer the following tracks: Community Track, Energy Track, and Environment Track. The Education Research Track will not be offered for the 2026 cycle.

Feb 2, 2026

Paul Harnik, 2017 Early-Career Research Fellow on a boat.

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

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

Gulf Research Program Welcomes Early-Career Research Fellows in Environmental Protection and Stewardship and Education Research

News Release

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced today its 2025-2027 cohort of Early-Career Research Fellows in the environmental protection and stewardship and education research tracks.

Dec 5, 2025

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

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