The Academy of Sciences of Cuba (ACC) will honour its creation 165 years ago on Tuesday in a ceremony that will exalt its memorable work at the Fructuoso Rodríguez Orthopaedic Teaching Hospital, which consolidated its role as a national reference in the integration of science, technology and innovation in the service of public health.

Dr Luis Velázquez Pérez, president of the institution, will be the first speaker of the day on the commemoration of the new anniversary of the then Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana, established on 19 May 1861, when the Spanish crown delayed nearly 40 years in authorising its formation, and which is the predecessor of the current academy.

Its vice-president, Olga Fernández Ríos, and Marlon Ortiz Martín, coordinator of its Associated Youth Council, will take part in a panel on its particularities, the ACC leadership reported to the Cuban News Agency.

The presentation of recognitions will also occupy a space at the gathering, when Associated Scientists receive their status, those from the Associated Youth Council receive their corresponding certificates, and the University of Medical Sciences of Havana receives the title of Alternative Venue.

Subsequently, in 1902, it continued with the same structure and organisation and lost the adjective «Royal» from its name, but in 1962, the Cuban revolutionary process created the National Commission for the Academy of Sciences of Cuba, and for the first time, it acquired an effective national reach.

In April 1996, by Decree-Law 163, the Academy, made up of scientists of outstanding merit, representatives in a personal capacity, on an honorary basis and as representatives of the country’s scientific community, was established in its current character.

Its main objectives are aimed at contributing to the development of Cuban science and the dissemination of national and universal scientific advances, enhancing the prestige of excellent scientific research in the nation, raising professional ethics and the social appreciation of science, and strengthening the links of scientists and their organisations among themselves, with society and with the rest of the world.