It was founded in 2004 as an organization utilizing science diplomacy to "build scientific and technological capacities and strengthen relationships among the countries of the Americas as a tool for societal development.

[2] Support also came from the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank for the creation of IANAS.

To assist member Academies in building their internal capacity, by creating a forum for the exchange of information and experience.

To contribute to the scientific decision-making processes in the Americas, "with the goal of promoting prosperity and equity in the hemisphere.

Generally each program collects experts from different countries to prepare documents for policy makers in the Americas, often in collaboration with organizations such as UNESCO and the IAP [4] The Network also conducts multi-national surveys, for instance to assist in a study investigating the presence of women in national academies.