Since 1817, the New York Academy of Sciences has been bringing together scientists of different disciplines from around the world. Their purpose is to advance the understanding of science, technology, and medicine, and to stimulate new ways to think about how their research is applied in society and the world. An independent, nonprofit, membership-based organization, the Academy has always relied
on the generous support of its members and partnering institutions for its vitality. Today the Academy is widely recognized as one of the world's foremost organizers of scientific conferences and symposia. Over time its mission has evolved considerably beyond convener to include the roles of communicator, mentor and gadfly.