The role of an academy of sciences and humanities

In this paper the role of present clay Academies of Sciences and Humanities is discussed: In spite of substantial differences in structure, task and scope between Academies, two important common objectives have. united Academies throughout history: the furthering of top level scientific and scholarly research and the promotion of independence and freedom of science. It is shown how these objectives are pursued by Academies through their functioning as a platform for communication, through the promotion and sponsoring of research, and through their science and science policy advisory role. Further attention is paid to the unique contribution of the European association of national academies, All European Academies (ALLEA), to the promotion of science in Europe.