Challenging convention

Established in 1997, the Reykjavík Academy (www.akademia.is) is a vibrant community of independent scholars seeking dynamic alternatives to traditional academic practice.

In recent years, the questioning ethos on which the organisation is based has led it to focus increasingly on investigating the intricate relationship between culture and nature, and the search for a place at which to study it.

To realise this vision, the Reykjavik Academy has joined in partnership with the local community in one of Iceland’s most remote settlements, to establish an international centre for research and education.

The result of these efforts is the Svartárkot project, a unique initiative that provides a ready-made facility for academics and students alike in which to reappraise our understanding of human history and social development.