NAM Perspectives

NAM Perspectives publishes two types of papers: Commentaries and Discussion Papers.

Commentaries are op-ed length papers on topical issues of prominence to health, medicine, biomedical science, and related policy. Their aim is to describe the key elements shaping an issue, succinctly summarize the nature of the evidence base, and offer a distinct and clear viewpoint on strategies and priorities. They may present illustrative experiences or anecdotes. Generally, Commentaries are undertaken by invitation or agreement of the NAM, authored by less than 5 authors, are around 1,500 words, and can include up to approximately 5 supportive references.

Discussion Papers are article-length reviews of issues of prominence or emerging prominence to health, medicine, biomedical science, and related policy. Their aim is to define and fully describe the key elements shaping an issue, summarize and assess the nature of the evidence base, and present a strategy or priority options for addressing the issue. Any opinions or anecdotal information shared must be consistent with the evidence base. Generally, Discussion Papers are undertaken by invitation or agreement of the NAM, may have an unlimited number of authors, are between approximately 2,500 and 10,000 words in length, and may include as many references as are reasonable and necessary to support a nuanced argument. All discussion papers published in NAM Perspectives undergo external, single-blind peer review.

Traditionally, papers published in NAM Perspectives relate to ongoing activities of the NAM or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), but NAM Perspectives will consider external submissions with relevance to an issue of importance to the NAM’s mission.

All authors are required to complete the ICMJE Conflict of Interest form, which discloses financial and non-financial conflicts of interest. All conflicts disclosed are published in the end matter of all NAM Perspectives manuscripts. NAM Perspectives utilizes iThenticate on all manuscript drafts to ensure integrity and detect plagiarism.