For 200 years—since 1817—the Academy has brought together extraordinary people working at the frontiers of discovery. Among t ... he oldest scientific organizations in the United States, it has become not only an enduring cultural institution in New York, but also one of the most significant organizations in the global scientific community. Throughout its history, the Academy's Membership has featured thinkers and innovators from all walks of life, including U.S. Presidents Jefferson and Monroe, Thomas Edison, Charles Darwin, Margaret Mead, and many more. Today, the Academy numbers over 20,000 Members in 100+ countries, with a President's Council that includes 36 Nobel Laureates, and a distinguished Board of Governors comprised of leaders from business, academia, and philanthropy. The mission of the New York Academy of Sciences is to drive innovative solutions to society's challenges by advancing scientific research, education and policy. Convening and Mobilizing Communities of Experts To drive scientific progress, the Academy hosts over 150 events & symposia annually, connecting experts across sectors, disciplines, and national boundaries. Research presented at the Academy is disseminated globally via the prestigious Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences and through innovative digital media such as "eBriefings", podcasts, and live webinars. Catalyzing Collective Action to Address Global Challenges Moving from knowledge dissemination to action, the Academy brings individuals and organizations together to drive real-world solutions to global challenges. Whether through public-private partnerships, open innovation challenges, or on-the-ground programming, the Academy and its network are tackling some of the world’s most pressing concerns, including: global malnutrition, early childhood development, and the need to improve access to STEM education in underserved communities. Supporting Scientists and Engineers Through Every Step in their Careers From cradle to career, Academy programs and initiatives are helping to build a better STEM pipeline. * Through the Global STEM Alliance, the Academy and its partners connect brilliant young students with one another and with professional role models around the world * Supported by over 40 universities and research institutions, our Science Alliance program helps Graduate Students and Postdocs transition to successful careers through a robust curriculum of career readiness and soft skills training * The Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists identify and encourage promising young scientists early in their careers, when they need it the most * The Innovators in Science Award recognizes promising Early Career Scientists and outstanding Senior Scientists in the therapeutic areas of Neuroscience, Gastroenterology, Regenerative Medicine, and Oncology The continued success of Academy programs and initiatives depends upon the engagement and support of an amazing global network of partner institutions, funders, and of course Members. As it enters its Third Century, the Academy is proud to celebrate all the innovators, educators and problem-solvers—past, present and future—who make up the World’s Smartest Network®. read more