The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world. Our work helps shape sound policies, inform public opinion, and advance science. The Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) has long provided a locus within the Academies for activities on atmospheric science, weather, and climate. BASC provides an avenue to ensure that the work of the scientific community has greater impact in real-world decisions. Recent reports from BASC have addressed topics including how the National Weather Service should evolve to address future challenges, research needed to improve understanding of abrupt impacts of climate change, and the possibility of intervening in Earth’s climate by modifying albedo.  This seminar will provide a look behind the curtain of the Academies process. How are study topics chosen? How are members chosen for the board and for study committees? What does it mean to be a member of one of the Academies and how are those members involved in our activities? How does the Academies’ review process compare to that for a peer-reviewed journal? In addition, the seminar will provide some example of reports that have influenced research priorities, national policies, agency budgets, and operations.