Introduction

Study committees of the National Academies make unique and often indispensable contributions to the welfare of the nation by addressing questions in science, medicine, and engineering with significant public policy implications. The analysis of complex issues through a committee process is enormously challenging and the stakes are high because the results are likely to influence governmental decisions. Although many elements contribute to a successful committee report, an effective chair is essential.

Chairs are selected because they are outstanding individuals who have made major contributions in their professional fields. Sometimes a chair has considerable expertise in the subject being studied. At other times, a chair lacks such expertise but brings an objective perspective to a controversial subject. Above all, a chair is a leader--an individual who inspires colleagues and keeps them focused on the necessary effort to complete a study. Chairs direct the deliberations of committees, organize the drafting and revising of reports, and represent the committee and its work to the public. The task can be demanding and complex. It usually also is productive, enjoyable, and rewarding.

This guide presents a broad overview of the chair's role in the committee process. It has been assembled from interviews with particularly successful chairs who have experienced the broad range of situations that chairs are likely to encounter, and with the advice of skilled study directors who have supported both highly productive and troubled committees. Every committee is unique. Every chair will have a distinctive approach to the work of the committee. But there also are predictable characteristics of the committee process, and anticipating these can prevent unnecessary difficulties. This guide discusses some of the common challenges faced by a chair. We hope that it is useful in completing an important task and making the experience for chairs both successful and enjoyable.

We particularly wish to acknowledge the work of Carlton Stoiber for his original cartoon creations, which add a distinctive touch to the brochure. Academy members Marye Anne Fox, Gordon Orians, Guy Stever and Gilbert White spoke on videotape with Bruce Alberts about their experiences from chairing many NRC study committees. These interviews served as an invaluable source of information. The sidebars on the study process, highlighting actions for chairs to take at important stages of a project, are abstracted from papers prepared by Archie L. Wood for the Good Practices Data Base and used in our staff development program. Several members of our staff and other individuals assisted in the preparation of the brochure and provided insightful comments on the early drafts. Steve Olson helped edit the text. We are very grateful for all of the many contributions that have made this brochure possible.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is past president of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Ralph J.Cicerone became president on July 1, 2005.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. William A. Wulf is president of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth I. Shine is past president of the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg became president on July 1, 2002.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is past chair, Dr. Ralph J. Cicerone is current chair, and Dr. William A. Wulf is vice chair of the National Research Council.