The Royal Society of Arts and Sciences in GothenburgThe Royal Society of Arts and Sciences in Gothenburg was founded in 1778. It is an independent learned society encompassing different disciplines in Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences. Its general objectives are to promote scientific exchange among different disciplines. The activities are mainly focused on lectures, conferences and publications. Support to researchers is given through grants. In addition, a number of prizes are awarded on a regular basis. New scientific needs, not yet recognized in the regular university system, are identified and promoted.
Members are elected through a dedicated selection procedure and authorized by the Academy’s membership.
The Academy is legally independent and relies financially on donations without any public support.
The Royal Society of Arts and Sciences in Gothenburg (KVVS), P.O. Box 222, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
Tel. +46 708 20 28 35
e-mail: info@kvvs.se
Internet: www.kvvs.se
Secretary General: Professor Gunhild Vidén
Chairperson 2026: Professor Per Åberg
General meetings are usually held in Wallenstamsalen, City Museum of Gothenburg, Norra Hamngatan 12, Gothenburg.
Office: Gothenburg University Library, Renströmgatan 4, Gothenburg. The library and archives of the Academy are situated at this office.
The academy has three categories of members: Honorary members, working members and foreign members. As of January 1, 2025, there are 2 honorary members, 311 working (Swedish) members, and 93 foreign members. The academy is organized in classes representing different scientific disciplines. In addition, the academy incorporates leading representatives of jurisprudence, museums and belle lettres. A list of foreign members is presented here.
The academy is governed by a board of 9 members lead by a chair person and elected annually. A secretary general serves as operative leader of the academy. A number of committees with different responsibilities are constituted.
Regular meetings are held from February-May and September-December, on the second monday of the month. The meetings are open only to members unless otherwise specified. A symposium is held every year, usually in October. This is open also for non-members.