academies

An academy is a term used for various institutions dedicated to the advancement of learned pursuits, including schools, colleges, research institutes, and learned societies. The word originates from the Academy founded by Plato in Athens in the 4th century BCE, and over time came to signify any place of study or a society of scholars.

Historically, academies began as philosophical and scientific schools in antiquity and proliferated in Europe during the Renaissance and the early modern period. They often combined scholarly research with patronage by rulers or states, produced journals, and exercised influence on education and public policy.

Today, the word "academy" is used in multiple ways: national or regional learned societies such as academies of science or humanities; artistic or cultural academies; professional or military academies that train specialists; and educational institutions that operate as schools or colleges. In some countries, notably the United Kingdom and others, an "academy" is a state-funded school independent of local authority control.

Functions typically include promoting research, recognizing achievement, accrediting standards, publishing journals and proceedings, organizing conferences, and advising governments or other institutions. Membership, residency, or fellows are common features in many academies, reflecting a selective community of experts.

Notable examples include national academies such as the National Academy of Sciences (United States), the French Académie des sciences, the Royal Academy of Arts (United Kingdom), and cultural academies in various countries, as well as numerous military, music, and arts academies around the world.