The evolving role of the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in providing science and technology policy advice to the US government

For over a century and a half the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have been called upon frequently by federal executive agencies of government and the U.S. Congress to empanel widely recognized experts as study committees that provide independent, objective, science-based advice on important and at times critical issues affecting the nation. The manner in which the Academies assemble such advice has evolved steadily over decades to accommodate different kinds of government needs. In the last 20 years, in particular, significant federal court decisions, legislation and executive orders, as well as changing sponsor needs have all contributed to changes in how the Academies operate in fulfilling their mission. This article chronicles the historical beginnings of the Academies’ role in providing science advice to the nation; describes significant changes in this role over the past two decades; probes some implications of the changing role; and recaps several new types of Academies convening activities that supplement traditional Academies reports as a means of providing advice to the government. These new types of activities are being utilized increasingly to better meet the needs of sponsors for more timely advice when timing is an imperative. This article is published as part of a thematic collection dedicated to scientific advice to governments.