Andorran Society of Sciences Launches Book Marking 40 Years of Conferences

The Andorran Society of Sciences (SAC) presented its book *40 Years of the SAC* on Monday, compiling conference texts from four decades of activity, including special 2024 events examining shifts in biology, technology, medicine, energy, society, health, and other fields.

SAC president Àngels Mach, who joined in 1986 and was reelected in January, unveiled the volume alongside several authors and Dr. Joan Sala, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Sala noted the close ties dating to their first agreement in 1985. Mach described the book as a historical snapshot showing how Andorra and the world have evolved in technological, social, and health areas during a period of constant national transformation. She stressed the SAC's consistent role in making knowledge accessible to all, accompanying the country's challenges at every stage.

Founded in August 1983 under gynaecologist Josep Vilanova, the SAC launched its first miscellaneous-themed conference cycle from September 1983 to June 1984. Cycles paused in 1987, resuming in 1994 with annual central themes and a shift to calendar-year schedules for better nonprofit accounting and public funding justification. Over time, the society has broadened its scope, joining events like the Diada Andorrana de Prada and Trobades Culturals Pirinenques, while pursuing historical research and initiatives such as Research Debates, UCE Andorran Days, Àgora Cultural awards, and Trans-Pyrenean Colloquia.

Mach emphasised the SAC's mission to import external expertise, promote local research, and share domestic insights across biomedicine, social policies, culture, and more. Citing Jorge Wagensberg's framework, she highlighted openness to scientific, artistic, and transcendent knowledge. Beyond dissemination, it has evolved into a key debate space via workshops, study days, and roundtables on current issues like disability, dependency, diversity, the European Union, and artificial intelligence—topics selected by the board and assembly for relevance and accessibility to non-experts. Scientific knowledge, she said, underpins sound public policy diagnoses and solutions, though final decisions rest with authorities. The society tackles timely matters openly but avoids political interference.

Generational renewal remains a challenge, with Mach noting young people need job and family stability before volunteering. The SAC stays open to all, using events to spotlight researchers and encourage participation. More than 400 members and 3,000 speakers have contributed over the years, including early figures like Anna Veiga, a pioneer in in vitro fertilisation. Recent book contributions cover genetics by Dr. Gemma Marfany and knee osteoarthritis treatments by Anna Boada, alongside literary reflections on Ángel Guimerà.

Looking ahead, Mach sees sustaining current activities as a major hurdle amid limited resources, while aspiring to greater institutionalisation akin to the British Royal Society. "The world doesn't stop, the country doesn't either, and the SAC shouldn't stop," she said, envisioning a dynamic future driven by incoming members faithful to the 1983 goal of deploying knowledge against Andorra's challenges.