FAQs

• What are the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine?

  What are the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine?

  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine work together to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. Learn more by watching this video about National Academies’ impact and mission.

• Why did the National Academies create the New Voices program?

  Why did the National Academies create the New Voices program?

  The New Voices program was launched by the National Academies in 2018 as an initiative to bring new perspectives from early- and mid-career U.S. leaders to important dialogues around how science, engineering, and medicine are shaping the global future. Learn more by watching this video about the New Voices vision and impact. 

• What will I do as a New Voices member?

  What will I do as a New Voices member?

  During their term of service, New Voices members will engage in a variety of activities including:

  • Participating in an in-person orientation designed to orient new members to the program and build connections with National Academies programs;

  • Convening twice annually for in person New Voices Member Meetings to develop collaborative projects and events and increase member capacity for science communication and policy-relevant work;

  • Participating in monthly virtual calls to move collaborative work forward and hear from invited speakers;

  • Working with New Voices program staff and cohort members to produce webinars, symposia, and publications emphasizing interdisciplinary dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and the perspectives of early- and mid-career STEM experts;

  • Participating in major domestic events, including National Academies convenings;

  • Making nominations and serving on National Academies committees where invited; and

  • Promoting international collaboration by maintaining a presence of U.S. young leaders at major international conferences.

  Additionally, various types of member-driven projects are encouraged throughout the cohort term. However, the expected program requirement is active contribution towards the development of webinars and in-person symposia as planned with New Voices program staff. Learn more about previous cohort activities by visiting our Announcements page.

• What level of time commitment is required for New Voices members?

  What level of time commitment is required for New Voices members?

  Service as a New Voices cohort member requires active participation on an ongoing basis throughout the two-year tenure. Minimum participation typically requires between 4-6 hours monthly and must be balanced alongside commitments to your primary position/institution. Active participation in the program includes:
  

  • In-person Member Meetings: Meeting in person (usually in Washington, D.C.) at least two (2) times during each calendar year to further progress on the group’s initiatives.

  • Virtual Monthly Meetings: Regular attendance at monthly cohort meetings held via Zoom.

  • Webinar and Symposia Development: Active participation in project committees for planned webinars and symposia, including regular participation in virtual planning meetings.

  • Group Contribution: Serving as an active participant or in other leadership or contributing roles to support cohort development.

  • Special Projects: Responding to ad-hoc invitations for special projects and activities such as attending major domestic and international events and liaising with National Academies program units when requested.

  • Staff Communication: Maintaining regular contact with program staff including reading monthly cohort update emails and completing quarterly reporting forms. 

• Does this opportunity provide a stipend or other funding?

  Does this opportunity provide a stipend or other funding?

  Travel costs and per diem for New Voices members to attend in-person program meetings twice annually are typically covered by the program. However, we welcome our members to cost-share their travel expenses with their primary institution where possible in order to maximize budgetary resources for member attendance at other domestic and international forums throughout the year.
  

  Each year, approximately 6,000 top experts in their fields volunteer their time and extensive knowledge to conduct National Academies studies, workshops, symposia, and other activities. Similarly, the New Voices program engages cohort members on a voluntary basis in service to the program goals. No additional stipend is provided.

• What are the benefits of serving as a New Voices member?

  What are the benefits of serving as a New Voices member?

  Each New Voices cohort has defined their unique approach to achieving the goals of the program and each individual has different reasons that drive them to participate. Commonly cited benefits of the program include:

  • Participate in a tight-knit network of emerging leaders working across the disciplinary boundaries of the sciences, engineering, and medicine. 

  • Explore interdisciplinary approaches to addressing critical global issues through working groups and ad-hoc project committees. 

  • Learn how the National Academies impact science policy at the federal level and join the database of experts called upon to participate in the process. 

  • Get involved with the global movement of young scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. 

  • Represent New Voices at international forums with other young science leaders and senior experts across the world. 

  • Elevate other young scientists in your network by nominating them as contributing experts to National Academies activities. 

  • Impact your organization and local community by bringing back lessons learned. 

• What are some of the examples of previous cohorts’ contributions and accomplishments?

  What are some of the examples of previous cohorts’ contributions and accomplishments?

  Please watch the video for the recent New Voices Impact Showcase to meet recent cohort members and learn more about their work in the program. Also visit our Announcements page for other recent news. 

• I have a master’s degree. Am I eligible?

  I have a master’s degree. Am I eligible?

  Possibly. While most selected New Voices members hold Ph.D.s—particularly those pursuing academic careers—we recognize that in some disciplines and sectors, a master’s degree is the typical terminal degree. We are therefore open to considering applicants who hold a master’s degree and have 8-10 years of relevant post-graduate professional experience that reflects a level of accomplishment and responsibility comparable to peers with terminal degrees.
  

  Examples of potentially eligible applicants with master’s degrees and 8-10+ years of experience include:
  

  • Engineers or computer science practitioners with M.S. degrees working in the industry sector in leadership or advanced technical roles.

  • Public health professionals with M.P.H. degrees serving in government or nonprofit leadership positions.

  • STEM professionals who have transitioned into policy, entrepreneurship, or science communication, demonstrating impact and leadership outside of traditional academic publishing.

  If you hold a master’s degree and wish to be considered under this exception, please include a detailed explanation in the Eligibility Notes section of your application. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, contact the program team with a brief overview of your background—we’re happy to provide guidance.