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The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished 

 scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and 

 technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by 

 the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on 

 scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce Alberts is president of the National Academy of Sciences. 



The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the Na- 

 tional Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in 

 its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences 

 the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also 

 sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, 

 and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. Harold Liebowitz is president of the 

 National Academy of Engineering. 



The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to 

 secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy 

 matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the 

 National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government 

 and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth 

 I. Shine is president of the Institute of Medicine. 



The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to 

 associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering 

 knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies 

 determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the 

 National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the 

 government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered 

 jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce Alberts and Dr. Harold Liebowitz 

 are chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council. 



