The Health and Medicine Division (HMD) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) applies a distinct research process to provide objective and straightforward answers to difficult questions of national importance. Advice is offered by committees of leading national and international scientists, all of whom serve pro bono, are asked to set aside preconceptions and to rely on evidence in their pursuit of knowledge and truth as they compose HMD's consensus reports.

In addition to consensus committees, HMD's other activities frequently release publications as well.

Types of Publications

Reports document the evidence-based consensus of an authoring committee of experts. Reports typically include findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on information gathered by the committee and committee deliberations. Reports are peer reviewed and are approved by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Proceedings chronicle the presentations and discussions at a workshop, symposium, or other convening event. The statements and opinions contained in proceedings are those of the participants and are not necessarily endorsed by other participants, the planning committee, or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.