Science & Humanity

Recognizing global scientific excellence and driving transformative discoveries that serve humanity, society, and the planet.

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What We Stand For

Advancing scientific excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping a future guided by knowledge, integrity, and impact.

Laureates & Honors

NAAS members include six Nobel laureates across medicine, physics, and chemistry. Their discoveries—from immune tolerance to quantum circuits and MOFs—continue to shape global science. Explore our honors, fellows, and the milestones that define the Academy’s legacy.

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Research & Impact

From fundamental inquiry to translational breakthroughs, NAAS advances science that serves humanity. We support high-risk, high-reward projects, foster open collaboration, and accelerate real-world solutions in health, climate, and advanced technologies.

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Policy & Advice 

Independent, evidence-based counsel for leaders in government, industry, and civil society. NAAS convenes experts, synthesizes the best available science, and issues guidance on urgent challenges—from biosecurity to AI governance.

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Mission & Values

At the North American Academy of Sciences, our mission is to advance knowledge, uphold integrity, and ensure that science serves the enduring progress of humanity.
We believe that discovery must be coupled with responsibility, and that excellence in science is measured not only by innovation, but by its impact on people, society, and the planet.

Curiosity & Discovery

Curiosity fuels every scientific journey. NAAS nurtures a culture that values open inquiry, bold questioning, and lifelong learning. We empower researchers to challenge convention, explore the unknown, and illuminate new frontiers of human understanding.

Integrity & Responsibility

Integrity defines our foundation. Every project, partnership, and publication within NAAS is guided by ethical rigor, transparency, and accountability. We believe that science must earn society’s trust through truth, fairness, and integrity of purpose.

Collaboration & Global Impact

Science transcends borders. NAAS unites scholars, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to address shared challenges—health, climate, technology, and equity—ensuring that knowledge benefits all, not just a few.

Membership

Election to membership in the NAAS is a recognition of extraordinary scientific achievement, leadership, and integrity. It stands among the highest distinctions in the global scientific community, honoring individuals whose discoveries and influence have advanced knowledge and benefited humanity.

Latest Thoughts

Explore Our Publications

Advancing ideas that inspire discovery, shape policy, and expand the frontiers of global science.

  • Kanzi the Bonobo: First Animal to Understand Make Believe

    Kanzi the Bonobo: First Animal to Understand Make Believe

    Kanzi, a male bonobo, has become the first non-human animal to demonstrate a clear understanding of make-believe, according to a study in Science. The research shows that Kanzi chose a pretend-filled cup over an empty one, indicating a capacity for imaginative thought, suggesting a richer mental life among great apes.

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  • The Rise of Autonomous AI Agents: Opportunities and Risks

    The Rise of Autonomous AI Agents: Opportunities and Risks

    A new network of AI bots, notably OpenClaw, is engaging in discussions on topics like religion and consciousness through the social platform Moltbook. While this interaction offers rich research opportunities, it raises concerns about user dependency, security vulnerabilities, and the proliferation of low-quality AI-generated research. Balancing innovation with ethical implications is crucial.

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  • Epstein’s Deep Ties to Science: New Revelations

    Epstein’s Deep Ties to Science: New Revelations

    New documents regarding Jeffrey Epstein reveal his extensive influence in the scientific community. He funded prominent researchers, sometimes leading to controversy, and maintained deep involvement in scientific projects despite his criminal history. The documents highlight connections with several academics, raising concerns about the ethics of private funding in academia.

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Max Planck

Fellow of the North American Academy of Sciences

Max Planck (1858–1947) was a German theoretical physicist and the founding father of quantum theory, one of the most transformative ideas in modern science. His discovery of the quantization of energy revolutionized physics and fundamentally altered humanity’s understanding of matter and radiation.

Planck’s insights bridged classical and modern physics, paving the way for Einstein’s theory of relativity and the development of quantum mechanics. His unwavering commitment to truth, reason, and scientific integrity stood firm even amid the political turmoil of early 20th-century Europe.

As a lifelong advocate of ethical science and intellectual independence, Planck believed that the pursuit of knowledge must be guided by moral responsibility — a principle that remains central to the mission of the North American Academy of Sciences today.