A learned society (/ˌlɜːrˈnɪd/; also known as a learned academy, scholarly society, or academic association) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession or a group of related disciplines such as the arts....
A learned society (/ˌlɜːrˈnɪd/; also known as a learned academy, scholarly society, or academic association) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession or a group of related disciplines such as the arts. Membership may be open to all, may require possession of some qualification, or may be an honor conferred by election. Most learned societies are non-profit organisations, and many are professional associations.