International Outreach

Our international outreach efforts fall into two main areas: building science and technology capacity around the world and fostering international scientific relationships and collaboration.

Capacity-Building: Strengthening Human, Institutional, and Societal Capabilities to Apply Science and Technology


Capacity-building is a long-term investment in individuals, institutions, and societies to develop the knowledge, skills, and resources for meeting their own needs. Such needs include ensuring food and energy security, resolving environmental problems, responding to human-health crises, and contributing to economic growth. Meeting those needs most effectively requires the development of scientific tools, education, and training and the application of science and technology to decisions and actions.

Contributing to science and technology capacity around the world is an integral component of the National Academies’ international activities. The National Academies recognize that science and technology capacity is vital to improve the lives of citizens in the developing world. The National Academies contribute to strengthening science and technology science capacity in three broad areas: policy advice, research, and education. Learn more about capacity-building activities at the Academies.

Fostering International Relationships and Collaboration in Science, Engineering, and Health


Scientists are most productive when they can exchange knowledge and critically interpret each other's findings. International relationships and collaboration are therefore vital for fostering mutual enrichment, maximizing scientific progress, and for promoting joint work on global or universal issues. The National Academies’ programs foster international relationships and collaboration through support of US participation in international meetings and international scientific organizations, technical support to collaborative research, professional development opportunities and exchanges, and analysis of the factors that promote and prevent collaboration. Learn more about the National Academies' work in fostering international relationships and collaboration in science, engineering, and health.