Aspiring to membership in the National Academies

For many scholars, being selected as a member of one of the three National Academies — Sciences, Engineering or Medicine — is one of the highest professional honors. Why? Because NAS, NAE or NAM membership represents being acknowledged as one of the best and brightest scientific minds. Members become part of a group that examines and assembles evidence to address complex problems of major importance to society. In short, their work has enormous impact. 

Nominations are made by Academy members for candidates with distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The process is conducted with strict confidentiality. 

The National Academies are private, nonprofit institutions whose work helps shape public policy, primarily in seven major program areas:

• Behavioral & Social Sciences and Education
• Earth & Life Studies
• Engineering & Physical Sciences
• Gulf Research Program
• Health & Medicine
• Policy & Global Affairs
• Transportation Research Board 

Each division comprises multiple committees that work together to provide independent, objective analysis and advice that informs policymakers. 

While the three institutions that make up the National Academies are perhaps the most visible, there are several other national academies that are prominent in specific disciplines. Membership in the National Academy of Public Administration, the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences are also high professional honors, signifying innovative, impactful scholarship. 

Along with other highly prestigious awards and fellowships, membership in national academies is an indicator the AAU uses to assess the distinction of an institution’s faculty as part of its overall evaluation of member and prospective institutions. Since 1979, 42 of KU’s faculty have been awarded membership in a national academy. Twelve of KU’s current faculty are members or fellows of one or more national academies.