The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine serves as an independent adviser to the federal government on scientific and technical questions of national importance. Established under the congressional charter of the private, non-profit National Academy of Sciences this agency brings the resources of the entire scientific and technical community to bear on national problems through its volunteer advisory committees. The Fellowship Programs of the Policy and Global Affairs Division, one of the National Academies' divisions, is charged with administering the Research Associateship Program, which offers awards for postdoctoral, senior and graduate research in US government laboratories and affiliated institutions.