The Royal Academies, founded in the spirit of the Enlightenment and protected by the Crown, were first established in Spain in the 18th century as centres for cultivating learning and disseminating knowledge. Since then, they have continued to stand for excellence in diverse fields of science, the arts and the humanities. Their core values are based on the standing of their members, who possess the highest intellectual and scientific merits, and on their stability and independence from economic and political interests.
These values of excellence and independence justify now more than ever the role of the Royal Academies, which operate under the High Patronage of His Majesty the King, as established in article 62.j) of the Constitution, as centres of thought, culture and advanced, free and calm research, offering insight into the complex problems of our time.
The Institute of Spain, a public law corporation regulated by Royal Decree 1160/2010 of 17 September, coordinates the joint functions and activities of all the Royal Academies of Spain. The following academies form part of the Institute of Spain:
- Royal Spanish Academy
- Royal Academy of History
- San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts
- Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain
- Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences
- Royal National Spanish Academy of Medicine
- Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Spanish Legislation
- Royal National Academy of Pharmacology
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Royal Academy of Economic and Financial Sciences
The Institute of Spain is headed by a Governing Board composed of the Chairs or Directors of each Royal Academy. The Chair will be held by one of the board members on an annual rotational basis.
In accordance with the provisions of the seventh Additional Provision of Royal Decree 404/2020 of 25 February, implementing the basic organic structure of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, this Ministry, through its Undersecretariat, is responsible for the administrative relationship with the Royal Academies and Academies operating nationwide.