The Russian Academy of Sciences, founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1724, is the supreme scientific institution of Russia. It is a community of prominent scientists – with full members and corresponding members, and with other scholars and specialists, working within the Academy’s organisations. It is thus the centre of fundamental research in the natural and social sciences in the Russian Federation.

The Academy carries out research in most areas of modern fundamental science, and comprises professional departments which lead this research. Over twenty scientific societies are affiliated. The publication of the results of Russian science is an important part of its responsibilities.