Royal Society of Canada

Error creating thumbnail:

Visit of Prince Philip (seated) to the Royal Society of Canada... - Visite du prince Philip (assis) à la Société royale du Canada... (39973528612)

Academies of the RSC Organigram

Royal Society of Canada head office

Royal Society of Canada (RSC) is the premier academic institution in Canada, dedicated to promoting learning and research in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Founded in 1882, the RSC comprises the senior Canadian scholars, scientists, and artists recognized by their peers nationally and internationally for their outstanding contributions to their field.

History

The Royal Society of Canada was established in 1882 by a group of distinguished Canadians, including the Marquis of Lorne and Sir John A. Macdonald, with the aim of promoting academic research and scholarship in Canada. Since its inception, the RSC has grown significantly and now includes over 2,000 Fellows from a wide range of disciplines.

Organization

The RSC is divided into three academies: the Academy of the Arts and Humanities, the Academy of Social Sciences, and the Academy of Science. Each academy recognizes excellence in its respective fields and contributes to the broader objectives of the RSC. The society also includes a College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, which recognizes emerging leaders in their fields.

Mandate and Activities

The primary mandate of the RSC is to promote learning and research in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The society accomplishes this through various activities, including:

• Publishing scholarly works and proceedings through its publishing arm, the University of Toronto Press.
• Organizing conferences, symposia, and lectures that bring together experts from across the country and around the world.
• Providing independent, expert advice to the Canadian government and the public on matters of public policy related to science and academia.

Membership

Membership in the RSC is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded to a Canadian scholar, scientist, or artist. Members, known as Fellows, are elected by their peers in recognition of their distinguished achievements and career-long service to their field. The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, established in 2014, recognizes early to mid-career leaders and provides them with an opportunity to contribute to the society's activities.

Awards and Recognition

The RSC administers several prestigious awards, including the Lorne Pierce Medal, awarded for significant contributions to literature and culture in Canada, and the Sir John William Dawson Medal, recognizing multidisciplinary research excellence.

Impact and Legacy

The Royal Society of Canada plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation in Canada. Through its activities, the RSC not only promotes high standards of research and creativity but also facilitates the exchange of ideas across disciplines and borders, contributing to the global advancement of knowledge.