National Academy of Engineering

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was founded in 1964 as a nonprofit, private organization that provides engineers with leadership and services to the nation. Through its independent advice on engineering and technology matters, the National Academy of Engineering advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation, and encourages a vibrant engineering profession and a public appreciation for engineering.

Among NAE's 2,000 peer-elected members and international members are some of the world's most accomplished engineers from the business, academic, and government sectors. Members provide leadership and technical expertise to numerous projects exploring the intersection of engineering, technology and quality of life.

As a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the NAE operates under the same congressional act of incorporation that created the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln in 1863. According to this charter the NAE is directed, "whenever called upon by any department or agency of the government, to investigate, examine, experiment, and report upon any subject of science or art."

Membership in the NAE cannot be applied for by an individual, thus there are no "application forms” for NAE membership. NAE members are elected to membership by their peers (current NAE members). Engineers who are elected to membership enjoy one of the highest professional distinctions available. Their accomplishments range from business and academic management to technical positions, roles in university faculty, government leadership and leadership in private engineering organizations.