Merit-based national science academies have been praised for the vast storehouse of knowledge that their members represent. But they have also been criticized for operating in blissful disregard of the critical concerns of their societies. They have been viewed more as brainy men's clubs than brainy men of action. That image has been undergoing a transformation over the past 15 years as science academies seek to become more relevant to society without compromising the principles that have been the source of their strength: an unwavering dedication to excellence. This session will examine the recent steps that have been taken by science academies worldwide to address the major challenges that they face in making their work relevant and useful both to their nations and the global scientific community. Emphasis will be placed on the activities of the InterAcademy Panel, a global network of merit-based science academies headquartered in Trieste, Italy.