Events
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences Celebrating 100 years
05 11 2019
On 24–25 October 2019, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) celebrated its centenary. Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, and academicians Vytautas Ostaševičius and Jurgis Vilemas, who are foreign members of this academy, were invited to attend a series of festive events that attracted about 1200 local and foreign guests.
Right to left, Prof. Jūras Banys with his wife, Prof. Vytautas Ostaševičius with his wife, and Prof. Jurgis Vilemas
During the second industrial revolution, the engineer Axel Fredrik Enström founded the Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and headed it for 21 years. It was the first academy of engineering sciences in the world. It contributed greatly to the electrification, implementation of telephony, and other important technical achievements in the country.
Prof. Tuula Teeri, President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, and Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, is the patron of the Academy. During the centennial celebrations, the idea was voiced that it was the founding of the Academy that transformed Sweden into a country of advanced industry. The main aim of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences is to encourage collaboration and exchange between business, scientific research, and public administration at the state and international level.
Lectures and round table talks on the issues of modern science, technologies, and artificial intelligence, which are the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, were held on the first day of events. The role of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences is to spread scientific knowledge and implement advanced technologies in the industry. Participation of Prince Daniel in the discussion indicates the importance of this exchange of opinions.
On the second day of the events was the day of the festive Annual Meeting held at the Aula Medica of the Karolinska Institute. The whole royal family took part in this event. The speakers overviewed the history of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and Carl XVI Gustaf awarded Gold Medals to Swedish researchers and entrepreneurs for their implementing scientific innovations in the industry. The tradition of the gold medals has been honoured since 1921. Congratulations were offered to the recipients of Prince Daniel’s Fellowships.
Centre, Queen Silvia of Sweden, left, Prof. Ojārs Spārītis, President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, and his wife, right, Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, and his wife
Professor Tuula Teeri, President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, gave a 40-minute lecture ‘Progress in Research and Technology’ on the Academy’s present activities that focus on digital technologies, renewable energy sources, new materials, ecology, and climate change. She reminded the audience of the Academy’s vision – ‘Technology in the service of humanity’.
Currently, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences has about 1300 members 300 of whom are foreign members. At the event, the newly-elected foreign members received a warm welcome.
Prof. Jūras Banys and his wife, Jolanta
The banquet, which was attended by the Royal Family, was held at Stockholm City Hall.
Information of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
