The Lithuanian Academy of Sciences or LMA (Lithuanian: Lietuvos mokslų akademija, Latin: Academia Scientiarum Lithuaniae) is a state-funded independent organization in Lithuania dedicated for science and research. Its mission is to mobilize prominent scientists and initiate activities that would strengthen the welfare of Lithuania and contribute to the scientific, social, cultural and economic development of the country.[1]
On 9 June 1988, the Sąjūdis movement was started from the Academy’s conference hall. In 1989, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences was declared independent from the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union, and in March 1990, the Academy declared its decision to be independent of any public or political institution. In 1991, the Law on Research and Higher Education was adopted and LMA was reorganized. On 18 March 2003, the Seimas passed the Statute of the Academy of Sciences.[2]
Activities
The LMA is governed by its charter which is approved by the Parliament of Lithuania. It can elect 120 members (under 75 years of age) and an unlimited number of foreign members as well as emeriti over 75 years of old.[1]
Since 1993, the LMA supervises the process and facilitates the yearly awards of the Lithuanian Science Prize (Lithuanian: Lietuvos mokslo premija).[5] The LMA and other academic institutions nominate the candidates. The winners are decided by the Commission for Lithuanian Science Prizes which is assembled by the government.[5] There can be no more than 7 awards in the following areas: humanitarian science, social science, natural science (may be 2 awards), medicine and health science, agricultural science and technical science.[6]
As of 2023, the monetary award for the prize is €42,900.[7]
Structure
LMA consists of the following scientific divisions:[8]
