Information Resources of the National Academies for International Users


One of the most important efforts of the National Academies is to disseminate scientific and technical knowledge to the public and to decision makers around the world. The National Academies have a strong commitment to making our rich and growing library of information more widely accessible to international users, who constitute an important and substantial part of our audience.This page describes a number of these resources and services. For detailed information, download our PDF brochure (201KB).

ACCESS TO PUBLICATIONS

National Academies Reports

Anyone with an Internet connection can read the complete text of more than 3,000 National Academies Press reports free. Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of the reports can be downloaded or printed free by users in over 140 developing countries. Find out if you are eligible for this service. In developed countries, some PDF reports are also available free, while others are available for purchase. Over 1500 other reports on transportation issues are available free online to users in any nation.

Instructors considering adoption of a National Academies Press book for classroom use may request an Examination Copy for $5.00 to cover shipping and handling. Those who have already ordered books for classroom use may request a complimentary Desk Copy. Discounts are available for online, bulk, and retail orders. Find out how to place international orders for NAP reports and transportation-related reports.

Searchable Collections of related, full-text reports are available on a number of current topics in science, engineering, and health, including HIV/AIDS, vaccines and immunization, and climate change. Some of our reports are available in translation.

Bibliographic Resources

The National Academies produce and maintain the Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) Database, the world's largest and most comprehensive bibliographic resource on transportation information. TRIS contains over 535,000 records of published and current research on all modes and disciplines in the field of transportation. It is available as TRIS Online through the National Transportation Library.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) publishes cutting-edge research reports, commentaries, reviews, perspectives, and colloquium papers across the life, physical, and social sciences. On publication, PNAS is immediately and permanently available free via the Internet to over 140 nations. 

All PNAS issues older than 6 months, back to 1990, are available free online in any nation at both PNAS Online and PubMed Central and will soon date back to the first issue in 1914.  Abstracts and tables of contents are free to all. 

PNAS Online users in select countries outside the United States and Canada can obtain faster Internet service at PNAS Online. Find out details about this service.

Am I Eligible for Free Portable Document Format (PDF) Versions of National Academies Reports and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences?

The National Academies have made a broad array of PDFs free online to users in most developing countries with a view toreducing the barriers that prevent access to information and full participation in timely scientific exchange. Individuals from certain countries receive free access to PDFs based on their computer’s Internet Protocol (IP) address.  Visit http://www.nap.edu/info/faq_dc_pdf.html or http://www.pnas.org/misc/faq.shtml for more information.


Am I Eligible for Faster Online Service to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences?

PNAS Online users from certain countries can obtain faster Internet service. To find out if your country is eligible, please visit http://www.pnas.org/tips/slow.dtl. 



Beyond Discovery

Beyond Discovery: The Path from Research to Human Benefit is an educational series that traces the origins of recent technological and medical advances. Each story reveals the importance of basic research in scientific applications. Many articles are available in translation.


OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Obtaining Visas to Travel to the United States

The International Visitors Office provides information for scientists on how to obtain a United States visa and what to if a visa is delayed or denied.  The International Visitors Office collects and analyzes data on visa applications for use in ongoing efforts to increase scientific mobility. Scientists experiencing difficulties in applying for a visa can submit a Visa Questionnaire. The International Visitors Office will review each case and establish contact if it is able to assist in any way.

Webcasts

The National Academies conduct public briefings, news conferences and other major meetings live on the World Wide Web. Recent interactive audio Webcasts have discussed such topics as genetically modified plants, alternatives to land mines, dual-use biotechnology research, HIV prevention, and intellectual-property rights. During each Webcast, participants listen to streaming audio and send questions or comments to presenters via e-mail. Access an archive of audio files and a list of scheduled Webcast events. All events require free RealPlayer software.

Electronic Newsletters

Keep up with the National Academies by subscribing to electronic newsletters. Subjects include medicine, transportation, engineering, and telecommunication. "What's New @ National-Academies.org" is a free weekly email news digest written for a wide audience, from the science-interested public to the specialized scientist or engineer. The newsletters provide links to the latest reports, projects, press releases and other resources on the National Academies Web site.

Career Opportunities in Science, Engineering, and Medicine

The National Academies administer grants, fellowships, research associateships, and exchanges in science, engineering and medicine.  Several are open to international applicants. Information on eligibility guidelines and application deadlines is available on each program's Web site. Find more about career opportunities.

International Scientific Organizations

Many other international organizations offer information resources to international users. Please visit the following websites for more information.