The National Research Council (NRC) is the research arm of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States. It provides objective advice on science, engineering, and health matters through independent consensus reports and convening activities. The NRC plays an important role in advancing scientific knowledge and advising the government on scientific issues.
What is the history and purpose of the NRC?
The NRC was established by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 at the request of President Woodrow Wilson. Its purpose was to bring academic science and engineering expertise to bear on problems facing the government and the nation. Some key points about the history and purpose of the NRC include:
- It was founded in 1916 as the research arm of the National Academy of Sciences.
- It was created at the request of President Wilson to mobilize scientific expertise for national needs during World War I.
- The NRC was later expanded to include engineering expertise in 1964 when it incorporated the National Academy of Engineering.
- In 1970, it was joined by the Institute of Medicine, now known as the National Academy of Medicine.
- Its primary purpose is to provide independent, objective analysis and advice on science, engineering, and health matters to the government and the public.
- It aims to increase understanding, evaluate evidence impartially, and identify options for policymakers.
- The NRC does not receive direct federal funds for its work. Instead, its studies are funded by government agencies, foundations, private industry, and institutional members.
In summary, the NRC was established over a century ago to mobilize scientific and technical expertise for national needs. Today, it continues this service by providing evidence-based advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing society in the 21st century.
How is the NRC structured and organized?
The NRC has a tripartite structure under the shared umbrella of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:
- National Academy of Sciences (NAS): Membership organization created by an Act of Congress signed by President Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes outstanding contributions to research through election to membership.
- National Academy of Engineering (NAE): Created in 1964 to identify engineering solutions for national problems. It elects members for their outstanding contributions to engineering theory and practice.
- National Academy of Medicine (NAM): Originally the Institute of Medicine, founded in 1970 to provide advice on medical science, healthcare, and public health. It elects members for professional achievement in medicine and health.
These three academies jointly oversee the work of the NRC under the leadership of a Governing Board. The NRC has its own membership of nearly 6,000 scientists, engineers, and health professionals who volunteer their time to serve on expert committees convened for specific studies.
The NRC is not a government agency. It relies on an executive office in Washington DC to coordinate and oversee its work. This office has several major divisions:
- Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Division on Earth and Life Studies
- Health and Medicine Division
- Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Division
- Division on Policy and Global Affairs
- Transportation Research Board
- Government Accountability Office
This organizational structure allows the NRC to assemble expert committees capable of providing authoritative analysis across a wide range of scientific, engineering, medical, and policy topics.
How does the NRC approach its work?
The NRC utilizes an objective, science-based approach in all of its work. Some key elements of how it approaches its mission include:
- Expert consensus: Studies are conducted by committees carefully selected to represent a range of expertise on the topic and avoid biases or conflicts of interest.
- Thorough evidence reviews: Committees rigorously review the scientific literature, data, and other evidence relevant to the study topic.
- Balanced stakeholder input: A range of stakeholders, including government, industry, non-profits, and others are consulted to inform studies.
- Objective analysis: Evidence and information is analyzed impartially to identify facts and develop conclusions and recommendations.
- Report peer review: All NRC reports undergo extensive peer review by independent experts to validate the findings.
- Transparency: The NRC strives for transparency, publishing report methodologies, minutes, project materials, and disclosing funding sources.
This rigorous, inclusive approach allows NRC reports to provide authoritative advice grounded in objective analysis of the best available evidence and expertise.
What subjects does the NRC study?
The NRC explores an extremely diverse range of topics across broad fields of science, engineering, medicine, and public policy. Some of the major subjects that NRC studies and reports address include:
- Engineering and technology – infrastructure, transportation, aerospace, telecommunications, energy systems, automation, materials science, etc.
- Physical and mathematical sciences – physics, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, meteorology, oceanography, etc.
- Life and environmental sciences – biology, agriculture, food science, ecology, environmental management, zoology, toxicology, etc.
- Medicine and health – disease prevention and treatment, mental health, nursing, nutrition, drug therapies, behavioral health, public health policy, etc.
- Social sciences – psychology, sociology, education, child development, research methods, risk analysis, etc.
- National security and global affairs – arms control, military readiness, intelligence policy, space policy, regional studies, foreign relations, etc.
Essentially any subject that relates to the scientific, technical, medical, or policy issues facing government and society can be studied by the NRC at the request of sponsors.
Examples of recent NRC reports
Report Title | Topic |
---|---|
Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space | Earth science from space |
Science Breakthroughs to Advance Food and Agricultural Research by 2030 | Agricultural technology |
Data and Analytics to Support Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities | Healthcare epidemiology |
Reproducibility and Replicability in Science | Scientific research methods |
A Quadrennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative | Nanotechnology research priorities |
This table shows examples covering environmental science, biotechnology, public health, research methodology, and emerging technologies.
How are NRC studies funded?
The NRC receives funding for its reports from a range of public and private sponsors. Typical sponsors include:
- Federal government agencies and departments
- U.S. Congressional committees
- State and local governments
- Private foundations and non-profit organizations
- Professional associations and scientific societies
- Industry organizations and companies
- Universities, academic institutions, and research centers
- Foreign governments
Federal agencies are the primary sponsor of NRC studies. Some top federal sponsors include:
Federal Agency | Example Study Topics |
---|---|
Dept. of Defense | Military health, cybersecurity, Defense science |
Dept. of Energy | Energy technologies, grid modernization, nuclear engineering |
NASA | Astronomy, aerospace engineering, Earth observation |
National Institutes of Health | Biomedical research, precision medicine, mental health |
National Science Foundation | STEM education, emerging technologies, research infrastructure |
Having a diversity of sponsors allows the NRC to undertake studies across the full range of disciplines and topics within its scope.
What are some notable NRC reports?
Over its more than 100-year history, the NRC has produced over 10,000 reports on wide-ranging topics. Some of the more notable and impactful NRC publications include:
- Prudent Practices in the Laboratory (2011) – Recommended safety practices for research labs that were adopted by over 600 institutions worldwide.
- Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy (2007) – Proposed a new framework for toxicity testing that catalyzed a shift towards in vitro methods to evaluate chemical safety.
- Managing Nuclear Waste (2020) – Assessed long-term disposal solutions for nuclear waste in the U.S., reigniting national attention on this critical issue.
- Rising Above the Gathering Storm (2007) – Seminal report highlighting the vulnerabilities of the U.S. S&T research enterprise that impacted policy and funding.
- Reusable Booster System (2011) – Influential study that confirmed the feasibility of a reusable rocket booster system, paving the way for innovations by SpaceX and others.
- Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII) (2006) – Comprehensive report on radiation risk assessment that shaped radiation safety policies and practices worldwide.
Through these and other seminal reports, the NRC has provided scientific foundations for significant policies, legislation, research programs, and breakthrough technologies.
How does the NRC disseminate its findings?
The NRC employs a variety of methods to communicate its study findings to target audiences. These include:
- Distribution of final report PDFs online and in print.
- Government briefings and presentations to sponsors.
- Public briefings and media engagements.
- Website content, blogs, and social media promotion.
- Peer-reviewed journal articles by committee members.
- Presentations and workshops at scientific conferences.
- Webinars, podcasts, and online video.
- Policy position papers, statements, letters, and memoranda.
- Reviews and coverage in science media publications.
By employing this multi-channel strategy, the NRC aims to ensure its evidence-based advice reaches policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, educators, journalists, and the interested public.
What is the impact of NRC reports?
NRC studies have significant real-world impact in shaping policies, programs, innovations, and public understanding across scientific fields. Some examples of NRC report impacts include:
- Informing new federal investments, priorities, and agency initiatives in science and technology.
- Providing foundations for new national strategies and policies in education, health, and environmental protection.
- Catalyzing major public and private research initiatives through expert consensus on promising fields.
- Guiding large-scale institutional and industry adoption of best practices in areas like laboratory safety and data stewardship.
- Introducing influential conceptual frameworks, models, and analytical approaches that advance scientific fields.
- BringingHidden
public visibility and understanding to urgent issues through evidence-based insights.
Additionally, NRC service is very prestigious within the scientific community, so NRC reports confer distinction on experts who serve on study committees.
Quantifying the full impact of NRC studies is challenging, but policymakers repeatedly turn to the organization when facing complex scientific issues where objective, nonpartisan advice is needed. This reflects the authoritative reputation and significant real-world influence of NRC reports.
What is the relationship between the NRC and the federal government?
As an independent non-governmental organization, the NRC has an advisory relationship with the federal government in several respects:
- Federal agencies are the primary sponsors and funders of NRC studies.
- NRC reports directly inform policy decisions by federal agencies and Congressional committees.
- NRC members frequently advise the White House and federal agencies in an individual capacity on science issues.
- The NRC provides independent evaluation of some federal research programs by Congressional mandate.
- NRC experts serve on and often chair federal advisory committees.
- Federal scientists and policymakers routinely participate in NRC studies as information sources and reviewers.
- The NRC allows seconded federal staff to work at its executive office temporarily.
However, the NRC remains fully independent to ensure the objectivity of its work products. It does not receive dedicated federal appropriations and the government does not control its agenda or processes.
Safeguarding Credibility and Independence
To maintain its reputation as an impartial scientific adviser, the NRC adheres to rigorous safeguards:
- Study committees are solely responsible for report conclusions.
- Reports are subjected to peer review by independent experts.
- Studies must undergo extensive review to ensure objectivity and rigor.
- The NRC has a strict conflict-of-interest policy for committee selection.
- Minority committee views that diverge from consensus findings may be published.
- Study sponsors have no control over report methodology or conclusions.
This combination of advisory engagement and institutional independence has allowed the NRC to serve as a valued and credible scientific advisor to the nation for over a century.
How can I learn more about the National Research Council?
There are many ways to stay current on NRC activities and access its large publication database:
- Website – nationalacademies.org/nrc/
- Email newsletter – Subscribe at nationalacademies.org
- Social media – Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and LinkedIn
- Podcast – Distillations covers new NRC reports and topics
- Annual Report – Provides organizational updates and highlights
- Library – Search and browse catalog of all NRC publications
- Books – Many NRC reports are published by National Academies Press
In addition, all completed NRC reports can be downloaded free of charge from the National Academies Press website.
Conclusion
For over 100 years, the National Research Council has served as the working arm of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide evidence-based expert advice on the most complex and critical scientific issues facing the nation. Through its inclusive, rigorous study process and uncompromising commitment to scientific integrity, the NRC continues to serve as an indispensible national resource for science-based guidance on policy and emerging challenges across disciplines.