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www.nasonline.org  About NAS  Organization   NAS Organization

• Mission
• History
• Organization
• Leadership and Governance
• Membership
• Policy Studies and Reports
• Locations
• Careers
• Giving to NAS
• Contact Us

Organization

The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 to address the government's urgent need for an independent advisor on scientific matters. As science began to play an ever-increasing role in national priorities and public life, the National Academy of Sciences expanded to include the National Research Council in 1916, the National Academy of Engineering in 1964, and the Institute of Medicine in 1970.

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and Institute of Medicine (IOM) are private, nonprofit membership organizations that elect the nation's leading scientists, engineers, and medical professionals and engage in a wide variety of activities to advance research and knowledge in science, engineering, and medicine. Most policy studies done at the request of the government are conducted by the National Research Council (NRC), operated jointly by the NAS and the NAE. The IOM also conducts studies following the procedures established for the NRC.

	National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Established: 1863 Membership: Approximately 2,200 members 400 foreign associates President: Ralph J. Cicerone Executive Officer: Bruce B. Darling Executive Director: Kenneth R. Fulton
	National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Established: 1964 Membership: Approximately 2,200 members and 200 foreign associates President: Charles M. Vest Executive Officer: Lance A. Davis
	Institute of Medicine (IOM) Established: 1970 Membership: Approximately 1,700 members and 100 foreign associates  President: Harvey V. Fineberg Executive Officer: Judith A. Salerno
	National Research Council (NRC) Established: 1916 Chair: Ralph J. Cicerone Vice Chair: Charles M. Vest Executive Officer: Bruce B. Darling Deputy Executive Officer: James F. Hinchman NRC Divisions Division on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) Chair: Richard C. Atkinson Executive Director:  Robert M. Hauser Division on Earth and Life Studies (DELS) Chair: Barbara A. Schaal Executive Director: Warren R. Muir Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences (DEPS) Chair: Cherry A. Murray Executive Director: Peter D. Blair Division on Policy and Global Affairs (PGA) Executive Director: Richard E. Bissell Transportation Research Board (TRB) Division Chair: C. Michael Walton Executive Committee Chair: Neil Pedersen Executive Director: Robert E. Skinner, Jr.