A Look at the NAS Leadership and How These Distinguished Scientists Guide American Science
Imagine a group comprising some of the world's most brilliant minds—from groundbreaking geneticists and pioneering astrophysicists to visionary computer scientists. Now, imagine the challenge of steering this collective intellect toward a common goal: advancing science for the benefit of humanity.
This is the central task of the leadership of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Far from being just an administrative body, these elected officers are themselves top-tier researchers who guide one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world. They influence the direction of critical research, advise the highest levels of government, and uphold the standards of scientific integrity that shape our future 5 .
"The NAS leadership embodies the principle that science, at its best, is a collaborative and self-governing enterprise."
Founded by President Abraham Lincoln, the NAS has provided scientific guidance to the nation for over 160 years.
Members are elected by their peers for "distinguished and continuing achievements in original research" 1 .
Active Members
New Members Elected
International Members
This assembly of expertise makes the Academy's consensus opinions and reports incredibly influential in shaping public policy, research funding, and educational priorities.
The Academy is governed by a 17-member Council, which includes five officers and 12 councilors, all elected from within the Academy membership 5 . This structure ensures that the governance is led by individuals who deeply understand the needs and challenges of the scientific community.
| Position | Incumbent | Professional Affiliation | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Marcia McNutt | National Academy of Sciences | June 30, 2026 |
| Vice President | Susan Wessler | University of California, Riverside (Emerita) | June 30, 2029 |
| Home Secretary | Nancy C. Andrews | Boston Children's Hospital / Harvard Medical School | June 30, 2027 |
| International Secretary | John G. Hildebrand | University of Arizona (Emeritus) | June 30, 2026 |
| Treasurer | William H. Press | The University of Texas at Austin | June 30, 2028 |
Source: National Academy of Sciences Leadership Page 5
Each officer has a storied career marked by significant research contributions. This earned respect is fundamental to uniting and guiding the diverse NAS membership.
They must look beyond their own specialties to identify cross-disciplinary opportunities and emerging global challenges, from climate change to artificial intelligence ethics.
A key part of the NAS mission is to inform policy. The leadership must be adept at translating complex scientific findings into clear, actionable advice for lawmakers and the public.
The Treasurer and Council oversee the resources and initiatives that support the scientific enterprise, requiring sharp managerial skills to ensure the Academy's work is sustainable and effective.
While there is no single laboratory experiment that defines the work of the NAS officers, their most vital function can be thought of as a grand, ongoing intellectual experiment: the process of forming scientific consensus on critical national issues.
This process is methodical, rigorous, and designed to be as objective as the research conducted by its members.
A federal agency or congressional committee requests advice on a specific, science-intensive problem. The NAS leadership and its expert staff help define the scope of the study.
A committee of top experts, including NAS members and other specialists, is carefully assembled to represent a balance of expertise and perspectives, while avoiding conflicts of interest.
The committee conducts a deep dive into the existing scientific literature. It also holds public meetings to gather testimony from additional experts, stakeholders, and interested parties.
The committee meets in closed sessions to deliberate the evidence and draft its report. Every finding and recommendation is debated and must withstand the scrutiny of every committee member.
The draft report undergoes a rigorous, anonymous peer review by a separate group of independent experts, a process overseen by the NAS's Report Review Committee.
The final, vetted report is delivered to the sponsoring agency and released to the public, providing an authoritative reference point for policymakers and the public alike.
The outcome of this process is a body of influential reports that have shaped national and global discourse.
Confirming the Reality of Human-Caused Climate Change, providing the scientific bedrock for international debates and agreements.
Advocating for the Use of DNA Evidence in the courtroom, which revolutionized forensic science.
Guiding National Standards for nutrition, science education, and vaccine safety.
The analysis of these "results" is evident in their impact. A single NAS report can redirect billions of dollars in research funding, lead to new regulations that protect public health, or settle public controversy by providing a clear, evidence-based perspective. The success of this consensus-building "experiment" is what makes the NAS indispensable to modern governance.
The leadership of the National Academy of Sciences embodies the principle that science, at its best, is a collaborative and self-governing enterprise. By electing leaders from within its ranks, the NAS ensures that the direction of American science is guided by those who most deeply understand its practice and potential.
The work of President Marcia McNutt, the Council, and the officer team may not involve test tubes or telescopes in their daily governance, but their efforts are crucial in creating the environment where such tools can be used to their greatest effect. They are the stewards of the scientific ethos, ensuring that evidence and expertise continue to light the way forward for society.