1. What is ALLEA? ALLEA is an acronym for ALL European Academies. Founded in 1994, ALLEA is the Federation of 48 Academies of Sciences and Humanities in 38 European countries whose Member Academies are self-governing communities of scientists and scholars.

2. What is ALLEA's mission? ALLEA seeks to (a) promote the exchange of information and experience between Academies, (b) offer European science and society advice from its Member Academies, and (c) also strives for excellence in science and scholarship, high ethical standards and independence from political, commercial and ideological interests via its Member Academies.

3. What does ALLEA NOT do? ALLEA is neither a funding organisation, nor a university or scientific institute. ALLEA is not in a position to offer traineeships, grants, subsidies or academic courses.

4. How is ALLEA structured? ALLEA is governed by a Steering Committee, under the chairmanship of the President. In addition, ALLEA has permanent advisory boards, Standing Committees, and temporary Working Groups. ALLEA occasionally forms Expert Panels in respect of external assignments.

5. Does ALLEA offer apprenticeships, or supply grants or subsidies? No.

6. Does ALLEA have any political, commercial or ideological ties? No, ALLEA maintains its independence from political, commercial and ideological interests.

7. How is ALLEA funded? ALLEA receives an annual subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Science and Education to fund the Office, publications and daily expenditures. Member Academies voluntarily pay a small contribution for exceptional expenditures (special projects, the travel expenses of representatives of lesser privileged Academies, maintenance of the ALLEA Communication and Information Centre etc.) ALLEA is kindly hosted by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

8. What subjects are covered by ALLEA's news page? ALLEA News is news of and from Member Academies, scientific and scholarly (European) organisations, and ALLEA. The web editors decide on the placement of news items.

9. Is it possible to order hard copies of ALLEA publications? Member Academies and related organisations automatically receive hard copies of ALLEA publications. Other interested organisations and individuals may order (subject to stock being unsold) issues of the ALLEA Report Series and other paper publications free of charge from the ALLEA Office.

11. How can I contact ALLEA for more information or to submit news items? Preferably by e-mail to secretariat@Allea.org, or during office hours at +31 20 5510754.