National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the parent unit in a U.S. organization that promotes research in the behavioral, biological, physical, and social sciences in the United States. It was established in 1863 by an official act of the U.S. Congress. Its primary purpose is to provide free advice to government departments, when asked, on scientific matters in addition to engaging in scientific activities for the advancement of science. NAS is a nongovernmental agency and includes the National Research Council (NRC), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). These organizations, together with the NAS, are known as the National Academies. Each year, members of the NAS elect new members and foreign associates. The NAS has some 2,000 U.S. scientists elected for life, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in science and engineering, and about 350 scientists elected as foreign associates from various countries.
The National Research Council, organized by the NAS in 1916, is a private, nonprofit organization, which serves as an independent adviser to the federal government on scientific and technical questions. It undertakes most of its activities at the request of the U.S. government. It is jointly administered by the NAS, NAE, and IOM. The NRC does not maintain laboratories, but it coordinates the work of individual scientists and engineers on problems of public interest. It also aids other academies in promoting the development of science and technology. It has about 9,500 members. The National Research Council enables other scientists to work with members of the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the NAS.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964. It encourages research and advises the government on matters of engineering and technology. It consists of engineers elected on the basis of professional achievement. The NAE has about 1,500 members.
The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970. It is a semiautonomous unit of the NAS and studies major problems in medicine and the health-care sciences. It has 500 members chosen mostly for their interest in health-related problems, although it includes many from other fields as well.
Financial support for the NAS comes from an endowment income and funds received from federal and state governmental agencies, private industries and foundations, scientific societies, and individuals. Its headquarters are in Washington, D.C.