Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina is one of the oldest academies of science in the world. It is dedicated to the advancement of science for the benefit of humankind and to the goal of shaping a better future. With some 1,500 members, the Leopoldina brings together outstanding scientists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries.

The Leopoldina was appointed as the German National Academy of Sciences in 2008. In this capacity, it represents the German scientific community in international committees and speaks out on social and political questions, providing a nonpartisan, factual framework for discussion. Under the auspices of the Leopoldina, interdisciplinary groups of experts publish policy-guiding statements on issues of current interest. The Leopoldina also releases joint statements with other German, European and international academies. It promotes scientific and public debate, supports young scientists, confers awards for scientific achievements, conducts research projects, and campaigns for the human rights of persecuted scientists.

Joint Science Conference of the Western Balkans Process (JSC-WBP)

After the launching of the political initiative known as Western Balkans Process in 2014, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina  took over the initiative in the field of education, science, research and societal dialogue – in agreement with the German Federal Government. The Academy Leopoldina organised the 1st Joint Science Conference of the Western Balkans Process that took place in Halle and Berlin in 2015.

The 2nd Joint Science Conference was co-organised by the Austrian Academy of Science and the German National Academy Leopoldina and took place in Vienna in 2016. The 3rd Joint Science Conference will take place in Paris in 2017, organised by the French Académie des Sciences.