Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Swedish: Kungliga Vetenskapsakademien) is an independent, non-governmental scientific organization based in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded in 1739, the academy is one of the oldest scientific academies in the world and is dedicated to promoting the sciences, particularly mathematics and natural sciences.
History and Establishment
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was founded on June 2, 1739, by naturalist Carl Linnaeus, mercantilist Jonas Alströmer, mechanical engineer Mårten Triewald, and civil servants Sten Carl Bielke and Carl Wilhelm Cederhielm. The academy was modeled after the Royal Society of London and the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris.
Initially, the academy focused on practical applications of science, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. Over time, it expanded its scope to include basic research in various scientific disciplines.
Membership and Organization
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences consists of Swedish and foreign members who are elected based on their scientific achievements. As of 2021, the academy has approximately 450 Swedish members and 175 foreign members.
The academy is organized into ten scientific disciplines, or classes:
- Mathematics
- Astronomy and space science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geosciences
- Biosciences
- Medical sciences
- Engineering sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities and for outstanding services to science
Each class has a chairperson and a secretary, who are elected by the members of the class. The academy also has a board of directors, which is responsible for the overall management of the academy.
Nobel Prizes
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is responsible for selecting the recipients of three of the six Nobel Prizes:
- Nobel Prize in Physics
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel (often referred to as the Nobel Prize in Economics)
The selection process involves several committees within the academy, each responsible for evaluating nominations in their respective fields. The final decision is made by the entire academy through a vote.
Research Institutes and Facilities
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences operates several research institutes and facilities, including:
- The Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics
- The Institute for Solar Physics
- The Kristineberg Marine Research Station
- The Abisko Scientific Research Station
- The Academy’s botanical garden, Bergianska trädgården
These institutes and facilities conduct research in various scientific fields and provide resources and support for researchers and students.
Publications and Outreach
The academy publishes several scientific journals, including:
- Ambio – A Journal of the Human Environment
- Acta Mathematica
- Arkiv för Matematik
- Physica Scripta
- Acta Zoologica
In addition to scientific publications, the academy also engages in public outreach and education. It organizes lectures, seminars, and exhibitions to promote scientific knowledge and understanding among the general public.
International Collaboration
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences maintains strong international ties and collaborations with other scientific organizations worldwide. It is a member of the International Science Council (ISC) and participates in various international scientific projects and initiatives.
The academy also awards several international prizes and grants, such as the Crafoord Prize, which recognizes outstanding achievements in scientific fields not covered by the Nobel Prizes.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is a prestigious scientific organization with a rich history and a strong commitment to promoting science and research. Through its role in selecting Nobel Prize recipients, operating research institutes, publishing scientific journals, and engaging in public outreach, the academy plays a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge and understanding in Sweden and worldwide.
