The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society

of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated

to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare.

Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy

has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and

technical matters. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is president of the National Academy of

Sciences.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter

of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers.

It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members,

sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the

federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering

programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research,

and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. William A. Wulf is president

of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of

Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the

examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute

acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional

charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own

initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth I.

Shine is president of the Institute of Medicine.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences

in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the

Academy’s purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government.

Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the

Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of

Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government,

the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is

administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M.

Alberts and Dr. William A. Wulf are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the

National Research Council.