Mission and Founding Priorities of the Luxembourg Academy of Sciences and Arts

The Luxembourg Academy of Sciences and Arts was established to support meaningful exchange across science, research, education, culture and the arts.

As an independent non-profit organisation registered in Luxembourg, LASA seeks to create connections between people, disciplines and institutions. Its mission is not limited to one branch of knowledge or one geographic region.

The Academy recognises that contemporary academic and social challenges often require interdisciplinary and international approaches. Scientific development can benefit from cultural understanding and creativity, while the arts and humanities can benefit from research, education and responsible use of technology.

LASA’s founding priorities provide a framework for its gradual institutional development.

Promoting Science and Research

One of LASA’s central purposes is the promotion of science and research.

The Academy may support this objective by facilitating contacts between universities, research institutes, scholars and relevant organisations. It may also contribute to the planning of research discussions, the communication of research results and the development of appropriate collaborative projects.

LASA is not intended to replace universities, laboratories or established research institutions. Its role is better understood as that of a connecting platform.

Through dialogue and cooperation, the Academy hopes to help researchers and institutions identify shared interests, exchange perspectives and develop practical forms of collaboration.

Particular attention may be given to subjects that benefit from international and interdisciplinary exchange, including health, technology, sustainability, education, social development, cultural heritage and the relationship between science and society.

Advancing the Arts and Cultural Dialogue

The arts are an essential part of LASA’s institutional identity.

Artistic practice can help societies understand history, identity, emotion and social change. It can also provide new approaches to communication, public engagement and education.

LASA therefore seeks to encourage dialogue involving artists, researchers, educators, cultural institutions and technology specialists.

Potential activities may include exhibitions, cultural discussions, interdisciplinary seminars, digital heritage projects and exchanges connecting scientific and artistic communities.

The Academy’s role should be to create opportunities for serious dialogue rather than simply attach its name to unrelated cultural activities.

Supporting Education and Young Researchers

LASA’s founding objectives include supporting talented students and younger researchers.

The early stages of an academic career can be difficult. Young researchers often need access to mentors, international networks, opportunities to present their work and guidance in communicating across cultures and disciplines.

LASA intends to explore realistic ways of supporting younger participants. These may include small academic forums, online discussions, research communication opportunities, institutional introductions and participation in international networks.

Such initiatives should be presented accurately. Participation in a LASA activity should not automatically be described as employment, a degree programme, a professional licence or a government-recognised qualification.

The Academy’s contribution lies primarily in academic exchange, communication and network-building.

Encouraging Publication and Research Communication

Research has limited public value when it is not communicated effectively.

LASA supports the responsible dissemination of knowledge through academic publications, reports, educational materials, public discussions and digital communication.

The Academy may cooperate with journals, publishers, universities and academic organisations where such cooperation is consistent with its non-profit purposes.

Academic communication associated with LASA should respect authorship, evidence, intellectual property and research ethics. Content should distinguish between verified institutional information, academic opinion and external contributions.

The Academy’s website is also part of this communication mission. It should provide clear information about LASA’s identity, work and areas of interest while avoiding exaggerated or unsupported claims.

Developing International Academic Cooperation

International cooperation is a major part of LASA’s outlook.

Luxembourg’s multilingual and internationally connected environment provides an appropriate setting for dialogue between Europe and other regions.

LASA hopes to contribute to exchanges involving institutions and individuals from Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world. Cooperation may involve academic events, research communication, educational initiatives, cultural exchange and support for young scholars.

The Academy will prioritise cooperation that has clearly defined objectives and realistic outcomes.

It will also seek to distinguish between formal institutional partnerships, project-based cooperation, participation in events and general expressions of support.

Exploring Scientific and Cultural Visits

The founding statutes of LASA also refer to scientific tourism.

LASA understands this concept as the responsible combination of learning, research, cultural understanding and institutional exchange.

Scientific tourism may include visits to universities, museums, research centres, laboratories, historic sites and cultural institutions. It may also involve educational programmes that help participants better understand the scientific and cultural environment of a country or region.

Any future initiative in this area should have a genuine educational purpose and should be organised transparently.

Building Sustainable Institutional Capacity

LASA’s mission is broad, but its development will be gradual.

The Academy will focus on building a credible institutional foundation before expanding into large or resource-intensive programmes. Priorities include governance, digital development, membership procedures, public transparency and the identification of appropriate partners.

LASA welcomes dialogue with scholars, artists, educators and organisations that share its commitment to responsible international cooperation.