 | |
 | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | RSC (SRC in French) |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1882 |
| Type | Learned society |
| Legal status | Nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | promote Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both official languages, recognize academic and artistic excellence, and advise governments, non-governmental organizations and Canadians on matters of public interest. |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
Region served | Canada |
Official languages |
|
| Website | rsc-src |
TheRoyal Society of Canada (RSC;French:Société royale du Canada,SRC), also known as theAcademies of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences of Canada (French:Académies des arts, des lettres et des sciences du Canada), is the senior national, bilingual council of distinguished Canadian scholars, humanists, scientists, and artists in Canada.
As Canada'snational academy, the RSC exists to promote Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both of Canada's official languages; advise governments, non-governmental organizations, and Canadians generally on matters of public interest; recognize academic and artistic excellence; and mentor young scholars and artists.[1]
In the late 1870s, the Governor General of Canada,John Campbell, Marquis of Lorne, determined that Canada required a cultural institution to promote national scientific research and development. Since that time, succeeding governors general have remained involved with the affairs of the Society. In 1882, the Royal Society of Canada was founded with the personal patronage of Lord Lorne. A year later, in 1883, the Society was incorporated by an act of theParliament of Canada.[2]
From its founding until the early 1900s, the structure of the RSC imitated the model of theRoyal Society of London, but with the important addition of literature and other elements found in theInstitut de France. Like their counterparts, membership to the RSC was limited and by election. Initially, the RSC was divided into four sections, each of 20 Fellows. These sections were: French literature, history, and archaeology; English literature, history, and archaeology; mathematical, physical and chemical sciences; and geological and biological sciences.
The founding fellows of the RSC includedSandford Fleming, the originator of the world system ofStandard Time, andWilliam Osler, one of the greatest physicians of his time. The fellows of the RSC were nominated by a committee directed by the Principal ofMcGill University,John William Dawson, and by the former Premier of Quebec,Pierre Chauveau. These two men served as the first and second presidents of the Society.[3]
_to_the_Royal_Society_of_Canada..._-_Visite_du_prince_Philip_(assis)_%25C3%25A0_la_Soci%25C3%25A9t%25C3%25A9_royale_du_Canada..._(39973528612).jpg)
As Canadian scholarship and research increased, the RSC also grew. Within three decades, the fellowship of the RSC doubled in number. After several phases of restructuring, the RSC evolved its contemporary organization. In 2010, Governor GeneralDavid Johnston was elected as an honorary fellow of the Society.
Each year, the RSC elects approximately 100 Fellows to its three Academies: the Academy of Arts and Humanities, the Academy of Social Sciences, and the Academy of Science. These individuals have made significant contributions to their fields and Canadian public life. In 2024, the RSC included over 2,500 Fellows.[4]
There are three divisions of the Academy of Arts and Humanities: an anglophone division, humanities; a francophone division, letters and humanities; and a bilingual division for the arts, embracing architecture, creative writing, and other arts. There are two divisions of the Academy of Social Sciences: an anglophone division, social sciences; and Sciences Sociales. There are four bilingual divisions of the Academy of Science: applied sciences and engineering; Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences; medical sciences; mathematical and physical sciences.
Presently, the Fellowship comprises four categories: Regularly Elected Fellows, Specially Elected Fellows, International Fellows, and Honorary Fellows. Once inducted into the Society, Fellows may use the post-nominal letters FRSC (fellow of the Royal Society of Canada) in English and MSRC (membre de la Société royale du Canada) in French.
The College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists (also known as the RSC College) was established in 2014 to represent the emerging generation of intellectual leaders in Canada. Each year, approximately 50 Canadians and Permanent Residents are elected to the college for a seven-year term. Nomination of candidates for the college follows a similar procedure as nomination for the Fellows of RSC.[5]
The RSC officially began the Institutional Member (IM) programme in 2004. The goal was to provide a mechanism by which the Society could develop its programmes in conjunction with Canadian universities and by which universities could have formal and direct input into the strategic organization and governance of the Society. This closer relationship facilitates the nomination of new Fellows and College Members from all Canadian universities and provides a means for the Society to sponsor scholarly activities at institutions of all sizes across Canada. There are currently 61 Institutional Members of the RSC.[6]
The RSC recognizes notable achievements in research and innovation by awarding medals and prizes.[7] Twenty three Society awards are offered on an annual or biennial basis and consist of either medals or certificates, some of them with cash prizes.
|
|
