The Leopoldina originated in 1652 as a classical scholarly society, championing the freedom and appreciation of science. The majority of the Leopoldina’s estimated 1,600 members are from German-speaking countries, and another quarter of its members are from other countries around the world. The Leopoldina was named Germany's National Academy of Sciences in 2008 and is often consulted in matters of policy and social issues.

Prof. Julian Reiss, head of the Institute for Philosophy and Philosophy of Science, is now a member of the Leopoldina. The JKU professor is delighted and remarked: "My admission to the Leopoldina, the oldest continuously existing scholarly society in the world as well as Germany's national academy of sciences, is a great honor. I look forward to being able to actively represent the JKU as its only member to date."