The Establishment of the Luxembourg Academy of Sciences and Arts

On 18 April 2024, the Luxembourg Academy of Sciences and Arts was formally established as an independent, non-profit academic organisation based in Luxembourg.

The Academy’s legal name is Luxemburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften und Künste. It operates in the legal form of an association sans but lucratif, commonly known as an ASBL under Luxembourg law.

The establishment of the Academy marked the beginning of a new platform dedicated to dialogue across science, research, the arts, education and international cooperation.

LASA was created with the understanding that many of today’s most important questions cannot be addressed through a single academic discipline or professional field. Scientific discovery, technological development, cultural creativity and social responsibility are increasingly interconnected. The Academy therefore seeks to provide an open environment in which researchers, educators, artists, institutions and younger generations can exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for cooperation.

An Independent and Non-Profit Academic Organisation

LASA is an independent organisation and is not a government agency or a public authority. It does not represent the Government of Luxembourg and should not be understood as a state institution.

Its purpose is academic, educational and cultural. As a non-profit association, LASA is required to use its resources in support of its institutional objectives rather than for the private benefit of individual members.

The Academy is also committed to political, ethnic and religious neutrality. This principle is important to its international outlook and its intention to bring together people and institutions from different countries, cultures and academic traditions.

Independence does not mean isolation. LASA aims to build responsible relationships with universities, research institutes, scientific organisations, cultural institutions and other non-profit bodies. Such cooperation should be based on transparency, mutual respect and clearly defined objectives.

Connecting Science and the Arts

The name of the Academy reflects its interdisciplinary identity.

Science helps societies understand the natural world, improve health, develop technologies and respond to economic, environmental and social challenges. The arts contribute imagination, cultural memory, critical reflection and new ways of communicating human experience.

LASA considers these areas complementary rather than separate. Scientific and technological progress benefits from creativity, ethics and cultural understanding. Artistic and cultural development can also benefit from research, digital technology, education and international exchange.

The Academy therefore intends to encourage dialogue across disciplines, including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, health, technology, education, culture and the arts.

Supporting Research, Education and Young Talent

The founding objectives of LASA include the promotion of scientific research, academic publication, teaching, seminars, symposia and exhibitions.

The Academy also recognises the importance of supporting students, early-career researchers and young professionals. International academic cooperation should not be limited to established institutions or senior experts. It should also create opportunities for younger participants to develop knowledge, professional networks and intercultural understanding.

As LASA develops, its activities may include academic discussions, research communication, institutional visits, small-scale conferences, educational initiatives and cooperation with partner organisations.

These activities will be developed gradually and in accordance with available institutional capacity.

Building an International Platform Step by Step

LASA began as a young organisation with a long-term vision. Its early development priorities include strengthening its governance, improving public information, building a credible digital presence and identifying practical areas of academic and cultural cooperation.

The Academy does not seek to measure its value only by the number of titles, members or events associated with its name. Its development should instead be based on the quality, relevance and sustainability of its work.

By bringing together science, the arts and international dialogue, LASA hopes to contribute to a more open and connected academic environment.

The establishment of the Academy on 18 April 2024 was the first step in this continuing process.