International Relations → Relations

Relations

The RSE's international relations are founded on formal (Memoranda of Understanding) and informal agreements with sister academies overseas.  These agreements facilitate:

• Two way exchange visits (bilateral and open programmes) to enhance the research capabilites of individuals; develop collaborative links; and enable participation in international programmes
• Joint events and activities involving participants from both sides

The RSE also represents Scotland on ALLEA (All European Academies), a Federation of 53 National Academies of Sciences and Humanities in 40 European countries, which:

• Promotes an exchange of information and experiences
• Offers European science and society advice
• Strives for excellence in science and scholarship, for high ethical standards in the conduct of research, and for independence from political, commercial and ideological interest

Memoranda of Understanding

The RSE has Memoranda of Understanding with the following academies:

The Chinese Academy of Sciences

Founded in Beijing on 1st November 1949 on the basis of the former Academia Sinica (Central Academy of Sciences) and Peiping Academy of Sciences The Royal Society of Edinburgh signed an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai in March 2002. (exchanges not currently available)

The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

Established in its present structure in 1992 as the Czech successor of the former Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. The first predecessor of the present-day Academy was the Royal Czech Learned Society, the oldest learned society in the entire Austrian Empire and was formed in 1784. The RSE signed a bilateral agreement with the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in May 2005 in Edinburgh.

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences

The need for establishing a scholarly society was first mentioned by Act VIII of 1808 and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences was finally formed in 1827 with the passing of an Act of parliament. New laws were passed in 1994 to create its present structure. The RSE signed a bilateral agreement with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in September 2005.

Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei (Italian National Academy)

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei to facilitate, encourage and support research collaboration in all areas between research groups in Scotland and Italy.  This agreement was signed by both sides in November 2010, with funding available from 2011.

The Polish Academy of Sciences

The Polish Academy of Sciences was originally founded as a state scientific institution in 1952. Its present structure dates from 1997. The RSE signed a bilateral agreement with the Polish Academy of Sciences in Edinburgh in October 2002.

The Slovak Academy of Sciences

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Slovak Academy of Sciences to facilitate, encourage and support research collaboration in all areas between research groups in Scotland and Slovakia. This scheme is additional to and complements existing schemes operated at UK level by the Royal Society and the British Academy in London.

The Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts

The Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts was founded in 1938 with the purpose of cultivating, encouraging and promoting sciences and arts. The RSE signed a bilateral agreement with The Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts in August 2006.

The National Science Council of Taiwan

The RSE signed a bilateral agreement with the National Science Council of Taiwan (established 1959) in Edinburgh in November 2001.

The Indian National Science Academy

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has had a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian National Science Academy to facilitate, encourage and support research collaboration in all areas between research groups in Scotland and the India since 2007. This scheme is additional to and complements existing schemes operated at UK level by the Royal Society and the British Academy in London.

Pakistan Academy of Sciences

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has had a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pakistan Academy of Sciences to facilitate, encourage and support research collaboration in all areas between research groups in Scotland and Pakistan since 2007. This scheme is additional to and complements existing schemes operated at UK level by the Royal Society and the British Academy in London.

Informal Agreements

The RSE has informal agreements with the following academies:

The Cuban Academy of Sciences

The Cuban Academy of Sciences was originally formed in 1861 but came into being in its present structure in April 1996. The RSE signed an informal agreement with the Academy in Havana in September 2005.

The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters

The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters was founded in 1742 and its present structure came into operation in 1999.  The RSE signed an informal agreement with the Academy in May 2000. The Secretariat of ALLEA (All European Academies) sits within the Academy’s building. The RSE is a member of ALLEA

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters

The Royal Society of Edinburgh signed an informal agreement with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in September 2005.

The Royal Society of New Zealand

The Royal Society of Edinburgh signed an informal agreement with the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2009.