Q What is the Mission of the NAE? A The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.
Q What is the Vision of the NAE? A The vision of the National Academy of Engineering is to be the trusted source of engineering advice for creating a healthier, more secure, and more sustainable world.
Q Are there annual dues? A Yes, NAE's elected membership pays dues. Please contact the membership office on 202-334-2198 for further details.
Q Who founded the NAE in 1964? What was the composition of the original board(s)? A Read here about the founding members of the NAE: http://www.nae.edu/About/leadership/57773.aspx.
Q Is the list of NAE members available? Thank you. A Please visit the online member directory to see the list of NAE members: http://www.nae.edu/MembersSection/MemberDirectory.aspx.
Q I would like to have access to the by-laws (Constitution) of NAE A You can view the bylaws of the National Academy of Engineering here: https://www.nae.edu/About/leadership/Bylaws.aspx.
Q Are there are some think tank supporting reports or policies for NAE? What are they? A The findings and recommendations of NAE reports are occasionally picked up or cited by policy experts based at various think tanks. And occasionally someone at a think tank, an engineering professional society or in Congress or a federal agency will publicly call for the National Academies, the NRC, or the NAE specifically to undertake a study of a particular issue or topic. However, the National Academies and the NAE are independent, i.e., without formal ties to any outside think tanks, companies or govt. agencies.
Q How can I be involved in the research that NAE does through a potential internship? A The Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is a great way to get involved in programs at the National Academies. The program is designed to engage graduate science, engineering, medical, veterinary, business, and law students in the analysis and creation of science and technology policy and to familiarize them with the interactions of science, technology, and government. A full list of fellowship opportunities can be found on the Fellowships Page.
Q How do I change my mailing address? A Contact the membership office on naemembe@nae.edu or (202) 334-2198.
Q What is engineering and what do engineers do? A Engineering has been defined in many ways. It is often referred to as the "application of science" because engineers take abstract ideas and build tangible products from them. Another definition is "design under constraint," because to "engineer" a product means to construct it in such a way that it will do exactly what you want it to, without any unexpected consequences. Engineers are men and women who create new products. It is estimated that there are over 2 million practicing engineers in the United States. They work in fields such as biomedicine, energy, automotive, aerospace, computers, and many others that require people to create products that didn't exist before.
Q Is the NAE a government organization? A No, the NAE is not an agency of the federal government. It is a private, independent, nonprofit institution. The NAE advises the federal government and also conducts its own independent studies that examine important topics in engineering and technology.
Q Does the NAE do research? A The NAE provides advisory services to the federal government, primarily through studies and projects executed by the National Research Council (NRC). In a typical year, more than 900 NRC study committees are in operation. In addition to NRC activities, the NAE also conducts an independent study program using its own funds. In these studies the NAE addresses important topics in engineering and technology that have significant economic and social implications. In recent years the work of the NAE has focused on establishing a balance between economic growth and environmental protection; ensuring national prosperity in era of global economic and technological interdependence; and supporting an education system that can provide both a literate, well-trained workforce.
Q How do you become a member of the NAE? A Members are elected to NAE membership by their peers (current NAE members). Election to membership is one of the highest professional honors accorded an engineer. Members have distinguished themselves in business and academic management, in technical positions, as university faculty, and as leaders in government and private engineering organizations.
Q How is the NAE related to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)? A The NAE was established in 1964 as an independent, nonprofit organization. It operates under the same congressional act of incorporation, signed by President Lincoln in 1863, that established the NAS. The NAE provides advisory services to the federal government through the National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the two academies. The NRC is managed by a governing board -- the president of the NAS serves as its chair, and the president of the NAE serves as its vice-chair.