national academy of sciences
LowFormal, Official, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A specific, prestigious, chartered scientific society in the United States, founded in 1863, whose members are elected in recognition of their distinguished research contributions. It serves as an independent advisor to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine.
A general term for an official, state-recognised or chartered national body of distinguished scientists and scholars, often advising the government on science and technology policy and promoting excellence in research. Many countries have their own national academies of sciences, often modelled on or serving similar functions to the US institution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When capitalised, it almost always refers to the specific US institution (the National Academy of Sciences). In lowercase or plural forms ('national academies of sciences'), it denotes the broader category of such institutions globally. It is a proper noun functioning as an organisational name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In US usage, the capitalised form refers to the specific, preeminent institution in Washington, D.C. In UK/British usage, the phrase is used descriptively; the comparable UK body is 'The Royal Society'. The phrase 'The National Academy' is not a standalone reference in the UK.
Connotations
US: Specificity, prestige, government science policy. UK/General: Generic institutional type, high scholarly status.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the prominence of the specific institution. In British English, it is a lower-frequency term used in international or comparative academic/administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Name] was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.The National Academy of Sciences issued a report on [topic].According to a National Academy of Sciences study, ...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Election to the NAS is considered a pinnacle of a scientific career.' (Not a fixed idiom, but a common observation.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of science policy, R&D funding, or intellectual property where NAS reports are cited.
Academic
Very common; refers to a marker of career achievement, a source of authoritative reports, or a comparative model for scientific governance.
Everyday
Very rare; likely only encountered in news about major scientific announcements or awards.
Technical
Common in science policy, research administration, and bibliometric contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- She received a National-Academy-endorsed fellowship.
- It was a national-academy-level finding.
American English
- He is a National Academy-commissioned expert.
- This is a National-Academy-style review process.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This book is from the National Academy of Sciences. It is about animals.
- A scientist from the National Academy of Sciences gave a talk at our university.
- The recently published report by the National Academy of Sciences calls for greater investment in renewable energy research.
- Her groundbreaking work in genomics led to her election to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honours in American science.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: NAtional Scientists Advise the Country. The 'NAS' is where top US Scientists (S) get their A+ status.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY AS A BODY / INSTITUTION AS A PERSON: 'The Academy *speaks* on behalf of science.', 'It *advises* the government.' HIERARCHY IS UP: 'It is the *pinnacle* of scientific recognition.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'Academy' as 'Академия' in the sense of 'РАН' (Russian Academy of Sciences) when referring specifically to the US NAS, as they are different institutions. Use транслитерация or описательный перевод.
- Do not confuse with 'National Science Foundation' (NSF), which is a funding agency, not an honorary society.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase for the specific US institution: 'She works for the national academy of sciences.' (Incorrect; should be capitalised.)
- Using the acronym 'NAS' without previously defining it in a text.
- Treating it as a plural noun: 'The National Academy of Sciences are...' (Treat as singular: 'The National Academy of Sciences is...').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the US National Academy of Sciences?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a private, non-profit, non-governmental institution. However, it was chartered by Congress in 1863 and often operates under congressional mandates to provide objective advice.
They are separate, parallel honour societies. The NAS focuses on the physical, biological, and social sciences. The NAE, established later, focuses on engineering. They are both part of the broader National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Members are elected by current members based on their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. It is an honourific recognition; one cannot apply for membership.
Yes, many countries have national academies of sciences (e.g., Chinese Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy). The capitalised term typically refers specifically to the US institution, while the lowercase term refers to this general type of organisation.