Learned society

200th anniversary of Berlin Academy, 1900

A learned society (/ˈlɜːrnɪd/; also learned academy, scholarly society, or academic association) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession, or a group of related disciplines such as the arts and sciences.[1] Membership may be open to all, may require possession of some qualification, or may be an honour conferred by election.[2]

Most learned societies are non-profit organizations, and many are professional associations. Their activities typically include holding regular conferences for the presentation and discussion of new research results, and publishing or sponsoring academic journals in their discipline. Some also act as professional bodies, regulating the activities of their members in the public interest or the collective interest of the membership.[3]

  1. ^ "What is a Learned Society?". Environmental Studies Association of Canada. Archived from the original on 29 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  2. ^ "Learned societies & academies". British Council. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  3. ^ "Learned Societies, the key to realising an open access future?". Impact of Social Sciences. 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2023-01-22.