The Academy of Sciences of Cuba is an independent official scientific institution of the Cuban State. The first Academy of Sciences was founded, after many years of negotiation with the Spanish Crown, on May 19, 1861, with the title of Royal Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences. Today, the Academy, formed by scientists of outstanding merit representing the national scientific community aims to: foster Cuban science; disseminate national and universal scientific progress; raise the standards of professional ethics and social recognition of science; and strengthen links between scientists and their organizations, both among themselves, and with the rest of the world. Current membership of the academy stands at 167 members elected by their peers. President: Dr. Ismael Clark Arxer Vice President: Dr. Gustavo Kouri Flores, Dr. Diosdado Pérez Franco Foreign Secretary/Secretary General: Dr. Sergio Jorge Pastrana IAP Contact Person: Dr. Sergio Jorge Pastrana (Foreign Secretary) E-mail: pastrana@ceniai.inf.cu