Estonian Academy of Sciences

Ungern-Sternberg palace on Toompea, nowadays the main building of Estonian Academy of Sciences (Kohtu Street 6, built 1865–1868, architect Martin Gropius)

Founded in 1938, the Estonian Academy of Sciences (Estonian: Eesti Teaduste Akadeemia) is Estonia's national academy of science in Tallinn. As with other national academies, it is an independent group of well-known scientists whose stated aim is to promote research and development, encourage international scientific cooperation, and disseminate knowledge to the public.[1][2] As of December 2012, it had 75 full members and 15 foreign members.[3] Since November 2004, the president of the Academy is Richard Villems, a biologist from the University of Tartu.[4]

Divisions

The Academy has four divisions:[5][6]

History

The Academy was established in 1938 as a learned society. When Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union the Academy was dissolved on July 17, 1940. In June 1945 it was reestablished as the Academy of Sciences of the Estonian SSR (Estonian: Eesti NSV Teaduste Akadeemia). In Soviet times, it consisted of a central library and four divisions containing 15 research institutes as well as other scientific societies and museums. In April 1989, shortly before Estonian independence, the academy regained its original name of Estonian Academy of Sciences. At this time it was also restructured into its present form.[4][7]

Prizes

The Academy's most prestigious prize is the Medal of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. This is awarded "for outstanding services in development of Estonian science or in helping forward its development, as well as for services in performance of tasks of the Estonian Academy of Sciences."[8]

Location

The Academy is located on Kohtu Street in Tallinn. Its building is the so-called palace of Ungern-Sternberg, built in 1865 by the architect Martin Gropius.[9]

Associated organizations

Several organizations are associated with the Academy. These institutions or societies have activities and goals that conform to the objectives of the academy. They include:[10]

References

  1. Academy, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  2. Estonian Academy of Sciences, web page at the Union of European Academies for Science Applied to Agriculture, Food, and Nature. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  3. Membership, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line December 9, 2012.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Facts of history, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  5. Structure, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  6. Struktuur, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  7. Kronoloogia, web page at the Estonian Academy of Sciences. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  8. Estonian Academy of Sciences:Medals, Prizes, Scholarships (Accessed April 2013)
  9. Estonian Academy of Sciences, web page in English. Accessed on line September 12, 2007.
  10. "Associated Organizations". Estonian Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 2012-12-14.

External links