The Academy of Athens was founded with the Constitutional Decree of March 18th 1926, as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts. The same Decree appointed its first Members, who were all eminent representatives of the scientific, intellectual and artistic circles of that era. Τhe Academy is composed of three Sections: the Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, and Ethical and Political Sciences. The general and overarching objective of the Academy of Athens, in accordance with its Founding Charter, is the cultivation and advancement of the Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, along with the communication of the Foundation and its Members with other Academies and fellow Academicians. Furthermore the Academy grants scholarships and confers awards. Furthermore it issues consultations, proposals, it adopts decisions and judgments for the instruction and guidance of the bodies and authorities of the state. Currently there are 14 Research Centers and 5 Research Offices in operation. The Academy's latest major contribution to research is the establishment of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens.