Driving progress for the benefit of society by providing independent, objective advice to advance science, engineering, and medicine.
ARPA-E Plays Unique and Valuable Role in Energy Innovation and Should Be Reliably Funded, Says New Report
News Release
Congress should continue to provide reliable funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, as it plays a unique and valuable role in the nation’s energy innovation ecosystem, helping reduce the risk in adopting new technologies and increase the likelihood of private-sector investment, says a new congressionally mandated National Academies report.
Aug 20, 2026
Potential of Emerging Research Institutions To Be Explored at Upcoming National Academies Summit
Feature Story
Emerging research institutions — which by statute spend less than $50 million in federal research funding annually — are essential in STEM workforce development. In advance of a National Academies summit next week on reenvisioning the future of STEM research at ERIs, we spoke with summit co-chair Bobwealth Omontese to find out more about ERIs, their role in the broader research community, and what the summit is aiming to achieve.
Aug 26, 2026
Updating Crisis Standards of Care — New Publication
Announcement
The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent emergencies offered a nationwide opportunity to examine how crisis standards of care frameworks functioned in practice, when usual health care operations had to adapt substantially and emergency demand vied for limited resources. A new rapid expert consultation from the National Academies reviews those experiences, identifies gaps and emerging challenges, and highlights opportunities to strengthen future crisis standards of care.
Aug 12, 2026
Ways we are making a difference
Topics
Discover what the National Academies are doing to strengthen the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
In Focus
Our Work on Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence increasingly becomes a part of daily life, the National Academies are advising the government on AI use, policy, ethics, and innovation. Explore our work, from making machine learning safer in high-stakes applications to setting standards for how AI is used in health and medicine.
Learn More
Advancing a Robust U.S. Economy
Much of the National Academies’ work contributes to building a stronger, more competitive U.S. economy. We apply our expertise to spur innovation, bolster industrial capacity, modernize America’s infrastructure, and develop a skilled technical workforce for the 21st century.
Learn More
Supporting State and Local Decision Making
Many science-related challenges that affect people’s health, environment, and livelihoods directly and profoundly require responses at the state, local, and regional levels. National Academies studies, workshops, and other projects help policymakers and communities better understand and navigate these challenges.
Learn More
Our Work on Transportation
We rely on working transportation and infrastructure to go about our daily lives: a reliable electrical grid, durable buildings, and safe roads for all. The National Academies provide insights on how to create and maintain these critical systems to build a strong foundation for America’s future.
Learn More
Environment and Biology
The National Academies study biodiversity, climate change, and the biological sciences to inform conservation and support environmental health. Explore research that helps communities adapt, protect nature, and build a more sustainable world. Photo Credit: Chris Michel
Learn More
Strengthening the U.S. Research Enterprise
A strong research enterprise drives innovation and discovery, improves Americans’ health and well-being, and protects national security. Learn more about our work on advancing U.S. leadership in science, protecting research integrity, and training a resilient STEM labor force.
Learn More
Upcoming events
Based On Science
Answers to everyday science and health questions
Based On Science
Subscribe to Emails from the National Academies
Stay up to date on activities, publications, and events by subscribing to email updates.
Discover
Events
Convening Activities
Engage
Work with us