Andorran Society of Sciences Unveils '40 Years of the SAC' Book Marking Four Decades of Conferences

The Andorran Society of Sciences (SAC) has presented its book *40 Years of the SAC*, a compilation of conference texts marking four decades of activity, including special events held in 2024 to reflect on changes in biology, technology, medicine, energy, society, and health.

SAC president Àngels Mach unveiled the publication accompanied by several authors, describing it as more than a simple anniversary celebration. It recognises evolving disciplines over the society's lifetime and serves as a snapshot of its history. The SAC launched in August 1983, with its first conference cycle running from September 1983 to June 1984. Initially miscellaneous in theme, cycles paused in 1987 before resuming in 1994 with annual central topics, shifting to calendar-year schedules for better accounting as a non-profit receiving public aid.

Mach highlighted the society's enduring mission of importing external knowledge, promoting local research, and exporting domestic insights across fields from biomedicine and social policies to culture. Drawing on Jorge Wagensberg's categories, she noted its openness to scientific, artistic, and transcendent knowledge to broaden perspectives. Beyond dissemination, the SAC has grown as a debate forum through workshops, study days, and roundtables tackling current issues openly, without political interference. "We address interesting and relevant topics, but without interfering in politics," she said.

Scientific knowledge, Mach argued, must inform public policies for proper diagnoses and solutions, though decisions belong to policymakers. Recent projects cover disability, dependency, diversity, the European Union, and artificial intelligence, proposed by the board and assembly to ensure variety and accessibility for non-experts.

The society has expanded ambitions over time, participating in events like the Diada Andorrana de Prada and Trobades Culturals Pirinenques, while pursuing historical research. Generational renewal poses an ongoing challenge, with Mach linking it to young people's need for job and family stability before volunteering. Initiatives like research debates aim to highlight investigators' work and boost involvement, remaining open to all.

Looking forward, Mach sees maintaining current activities as a major challenge amid resource limits, while aspiring to greater institutionalisation like 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 shaped by future members. Above all, the society stays true to its 1983 origins: placing knowledge at Andorra's disposal to address its challenges.