A select, private body of distinguished scholars in the field of science and engineering, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is dedicated to the furtherance of science and its use for the general welfare. The NAS charter provides that the academy also should act, upon request, as official advisor to the federal government on questions of science and technology. Its more than 1,500 members are organized into 23 specialty sections. Election to the academy is considered the capstone to a scientific career.