Directories and organizational structure of the National Academies The non-profit organizations that make up The National Academies work under an 1863 congressional charter, providing independent advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and medicine. Collectively, the National Academy of Sciences , National Academy of Engineering , and Institute of Medicine have about 5,000 members. There are more than 7,000 people serving at any one time on National Research Council and Institute of Medicine study committees. The National Academies publish one report nearly every working day.
Most reports are available free for reading on-line and for sale.