National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

The Keck Center of the National Academies in Washington, D.C.
Abbreviation	NASEM
Predecessor	Council of National Defense – Department of Science and Research United States Army Signal Corps – Science and Research Division
Formation	1863 (as National Academy of Sciences) 1916 (as National Research Council) 2015 (as National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine)
Founder	Federal Government of the United States
Type	National Academy
Legal status	Congressionally Chartered Nonprofit Organization
Purpose	Provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society.
Headquarters	Keck Center 500 5th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Location	Executive Office National Academy of Sciences Building 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20418, United States
Membership	Scientists, engineers, and health professionals
Official language	English
President (NAS) & Chair (NRC)	Marcia McNutt
President (NAE)	Tsu-Jae King Liu
President (NAM)	Victor Dzau
Subsidiaries	National Academy of Sciences (NAS) National Academy of Engineering (NAE) National Academy of Medicine (NAM)

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is a special organization in the United States. It acts as the country's main scientific academy. You might hear it called "the National Academies" for short.

NASEM has two main roles. First, it's like a parent organization for three important groups: the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). These groups are made up of top experts. Second, NASEM is the name for the studies and reports created by its working part, which used to be called the National Research Council (NRC).

The National Academies also give advice to the government on important public issues. They act like research institutes and think tanks, helping to solve big problems for society.

History of the National Academies

The story of the National Academies began on March 3, 1863. Back then, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law that created the US National Academy of Sciences. This law said that the Academy should "investigate, examine, experiment, and report upon any subject of science or art" whenever the government asked for help.

During the American Civil War, the new Academy helped with things like money, measurements, and even how to make iron ships. Later, two more academies were created under the same law: the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 1964 and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in 1970. NAM was first called the Institute of Medicine and changed its name in 2015.

The National Research Council

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson asked the National Academy of Sciences to create the National Research Council (NRC). The NRC's goal was to encourage more scientific research. This research would help American industries grow and make the country stronger, especially for national defense.

During World War I, the NRC helped the government with important scientific problems. For example, they advised on how to get enough nitric acid, which was needed to make explosives. They also helped develop ways to find submarines using sound. Because of its success, the NRC continued its work even after the war ended.

The way the NRC works has been updated a few times, most recently in 2015. At that time, the National Research Council, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine became parts of the larger National Academies.

The Academies: Experts Helping the Nation

The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine are groups of highly respected experts. Each academy has its own leaders and chooses its own new members.

There are more than 6,300 scientists, engineers, and health professionals who are members of these three academies. New members are chosen each year by the current members. They pick people who have done amazing and important research.

These experts volunteer their time to help the nation. They give advice on science, engineering, and medicine to the government and the public.

How the National Academies Work

The National Academies have different "program units" that do the actual work of giving advice. These units used to be known as the National Research Council. They create reports that help shape policies, inform people, and advance science, engineering, and medicine.

There are seven main divisions that cover different areas:

• Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education
• Division of Earth and Life Studies
• Division of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Health and Medicine Division
• Policy and Global Affairs Division
• Transportation Research Board
• Gulf Research Program

Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

This division focuses on how people think, learn, and behave. It also looks at education and social issues.

• It has groups that study children, youth, and families.
• Other groups look at how humans interact with systems and how society changes the environment.
• They also work on science education and population studies.

Division on Earth and Life Studies

This division studies the Earth and living things.

• It includes groups that focus on agriculture and natural resources.
• They also study the atmosphere, climate, and oceans.
• Other areas include chemical sciences, environmental studies, and life sciences.

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

This division works on engineering and physical sciences.

• They help with government missions in defense, space, and aerospace.
• They also look at big challenges like energy, environmental systems, and infrastructure (like roads and buildings).
• This division covers subjects like physics, astronomy, computer science, and mathematical sciences.

Gulf Research Program

The Gulf Research Program focuses on the Gulf of Mexico.

• It works on protecting the environment in the Gulf.
• It also supports education and community involvement in the region.
• Another goal is to improve health and resilience for people living near the Gulf.

Health and Medicine Division

This division focuses on health and medicine.

• It has groups that study global health issues.
• They also look at health care services and health policy.
• Other areas include population health, public health, and nutrition.

Policy and Global Affairs Division

This division deals with policies and global issues.

• It studies higher education and the workforce.
• It also looks at international scientific organizations and research data.
• This division works on science, technology, and economic policy.

Transportation Research Board

The Transportation Research Board focuses on all kinds of transportation.

• It conducts studies and gives advice on transportation topics.
• It also manages cooperative research programs for airports, highways, and public transit.

How Studies Are Done

The National Academies try to find clear and fair answers to important national questions. They ask top scientists, engineers, and health professionals to help. These experts volunteer their time and do not get paid.

NASEM does not do its own original research. Instead, it provides independent advice based on existing knowledge. Most of their work is paid for by government agencies. Other money comes from private groups and donations. The people who pay for the studies have no control over the results.

Study committees gather information from many sources. They hold public meetings but discuss their findings in private. This helps them avoid outside influences. All reports are carefully checked by other experts before they are published.

The National Academies produce about 200 reports each year. These reports cover many topics, like climate change, transportation safety, and vaccine safety. Many reports help shape government policies or start new research programs. The National Academies Press publishes these reports, and many are available for free online.

Important Reports

Climate Change Research

In 2001, the National Research Council published a report called Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions. This report said that decisions made now and in the future will affect how much damage is caused by climate change. It agreed with other scientific groups that human activities are likely causing most of the warming seen in the last 50 years.

In 2013, another report, Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change: Anticipating Surprises, looked at sudden changes in climate. It focused on how these quick changes could affect the environment and people.

Promoting Safety and Support

In 2013, a report called Estimating the Incidence of ... and Serious Harm was published. It showed that many serious harmful acts are not reported to the police. The report suggested new ways to talk to people who have experienced harm, including changing the questions asked in surveys.

Experts have said that it's important to support people who have been harmed and encourage them to come forward. We need to focus on the person who caused the harm, not on blaming the person who was hurt.

Ensuring Research Is Honest

A report from 1992, Responsible Science: Ensuring the Integrity of the Research Process, was updated in 2017. The new report, Fostering Integrity in Research, talked about how important it is for research to be honest and reliable.

One main concern is that some published research is hard to repeat. This means that the results might not be accurate. The report stressed the need for more openness and good practices in science.

Other Programs and Activities

The National Academies also offer special programs. The Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellowship allows recent graduate students to work at the Academies for three months. They also have a program called LabX, which provides online resources and public events to help people learn about science and how it can solve community problems.

How the National Academies Get Money

The National Academies do not get money directly from the government. Instead, they get money from grants and contracts with government agencies and private groups. In 2018, they received over $263 million. About 70% of their budget comes from federal funds. They also get donations from individuals, non-profit groups, and companies like Chevron, Google, and Merck. Even though they get money from different sources, the sponsors do not control how the studies are done or what the results are.

See also

• American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• List of members of the National Academy of Sciences
• Member of the National Academy of Sciences
• National Academies Press
• National Academies Communication Award
• United States National Research Council rankings