News from the National Academies

Physical Activity and Physical Education at School

May 23, 2013

Given the implications for the overall health, development, and academic success of children, schools should play a primary role in ensuring that all students have opportunities to engage in at least 60 minutes per day of vigorous or moderate-intensity physical activity, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Read More | Listen to Public Briefing | Watch Video Summary

Tornado Devastates Oklahoma Town

May 21, 2013

Earlier this week, a powerful tornado tore through the town of Moore, Okla., leaving behind a path of destruction that included a hospital, two schools, and many homes and businesses. This disaster is a reminder of the need for communities and the nation as a whole to evaluate best practices for disaster preparedness, response, and resilience.These issues are addressed in several reports by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine that may be of particular interest to officials confronting the challenges of predicting, withstanding, and recovering from disasters. In addition, the Disasters Roundtable -- made up of leading experts in disaster preparedness and recovery -- regularly holds workshops to discuss disaster-related topics. Studies by the Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment address the resilience of buildings and other infrastructure to natural and man-made disasters. And the Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events holds broad-ranging policy discussions to facilitate coordination and cooperation to develop and enhance the nation's medical and public health preparedness.Building Community Disaster Resilience Through Private-Public CollaborationCrisis Standards of Care: A Systems Framework for Catastrophic Disaster ResponseDisaster Resilience: A National ImperativeObserving Weather and Climate from the Ground Up: A Nationwide Network of NetworksPublic Response to Alerts and Warnings Using Social Media: Report of a Workshop on Current Knowledge and Research GapsWhen Weather Matters: Science and Service to Meet Critical Societal Needs

Fellows Program Extended With $100M Commitment From Ford Foundation

May 17, 2013

The Ford Foundation has pledged $100 million to extend the Ford Fellowship Program at the National Research Council for an additional 10 years. In place for more than five decades, the program has helped thousands of scholars from diverse backgrounds reach the highest levels of academia and make a significant impact on every facet of higher education and research.

Studies Examine Links Between Sodium Consumption and Health Outcomes

May 14, 2013

Recent studies that examine links between sodium consumption and health outcomes support recommendations to lower sodium intake from the very high levels some Americans consume now, but evidence from these studies does not support reduction in sodium intake to below 2,300 mg per day, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Read More Project PageReport in Brief

Carnegie Science Center Honors NAS, NAE, IOM Presidents

May 10, 2013

Accepting on behalf of himself and his colleagues NAE President Charles M. Vest and IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg, NAS President Ralph J. Cicerone accepted the prestigious Chairman's Award from the Carnegie Science Center at a ceremony held in Pittsburgh on May 3. The three presidents, who all have roots in the Pittsburgh area, were recognized for their exceptional accomplishments in their fields and because they serve as role models to the next generation of scientists, according to a statement from the Carnegie Science Center. Last year, NAS and NAE kicked off a new Science and Engineering Ambassador Program designed to connect science and engineering experts with their communities. Pittsburgh was chosen for a pilot program to increase public understanding of and engagement with energy-related issues in the Pittsburgh area. Watch a video of presidents Cicerone and Vest discussing why Pittsburgh was chosen as the pilot region. The program hopes to expand to other cities and focus on a range of important scientific topics.

Making the Soldier Decisive on Future Battlefields

May 10, 2013

Today's soldier must be prepared to contend with both regular and irregular adversaries. A new National Research Council report prescribes technological and organizational capabilities needed to make the dismounted soldier a decisive weapon in a changing, uncertain, and complex environment. The report provides the Army with 15 recommendations on how to focus its efforts to enable dismounted soldiers operating individually or in small units to outmatch an adversary. Report BriefFull Report

Report Offers Best Principles and Practices for Federal Statistical Agencies

May 8, 2013

The fifth edition of a report from the National Research Council describes four fundamental principles and recommends 13 practices that would best position a federal statistical agency to provide accurate and credible statistical information to policymakers and the public. Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency is revised every four years so that it is current at the beginning of each presidential administration and reflects changes in laws and regulations.The report stresses the importance of producing transparent data independent from political and other undue external influence and making these data easily accessible. The report also emphasizes that statistical agencies need to actively seek new ways of acquiring information, such as from administrative records and credible Internet sources that may provide timely, cost-effective information.

NAE Receives $500,000 Gift From W.M. Keck Foundation to Name and Endow the Simon Ramo Founders Award

May 7, 2013

The National Academy of Engineering has received a $500,000 gift from the W.M. Keck Foundation to endow and name NAE's Founders Award after Simon Ramo, the only surviving founding member of the NAE. Ramo turns 100 today. Read More

Charles Vest Named U.S. News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame Award Winner

May 6, 2013

NAE President Charles Vest is among five winners of the 2013 U.S. News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame. Honorees were chosen from a group of outstanding nominees representing the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. The Hall of Fame recipients will be honored in a special ceremony at the U.S. News STEM Solutions 2013 National Conference, scheduled for June 17-19, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Academy Elects New Members, Foreign Associates

April 30, 2013

The National Academy of Sciences elected 84 new members and 21 foreign associates from 14 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Election to the Academy is widely regarded as one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive. Read More

Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species From Pesticides

April 30, 2013

When determining the potential effects pesticides could pose to endangered or threatened species, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service should use a common scientific approach, says a new report from the National Research Council. Specifically, the agencies should use a risk assessment approach that addresses problem formulation, exposure analysis, effects analysis, and risk characterization.

President Obama Speaks to Academy

April 29, 2013

President Barack Obama spoke at the National Academy of Sciences' 150th annual meeting. Read MoreVideo of the president's addressPhotosWhite House transcriptJoin the conversation on Twitter with #NAS150

NAS Honors Award Winners

April 29, 2013

During a ceremony at its 150th annual meeting, the National Academy of Sciences presented the 2013 Public Welfare Medal to Bill and Melinda Gates, co-chairs and trustees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, "for improving the lives of millions by applying science to some of the world's most difficult global health challenges." NAS honored 18 other individuals as well for their outstanding scientific achievements. News Release - Public Welfare MedalPublic Welfare Medal Presentation VideoNews Release - Awards