This body of up to 50 senior doctors in the speciality across Europe was created in 1969. Academicians are invited on the basis of their distinguished contribution to the speciality, particularly its humanitarian aspects. The aim of the Academy is to improve all areas of rehabilitation for the benefit of those who need it. It thus promotes education and research across Europe, acting as a reference point in scientific, educational and research matters, exchanging ideas and information, facilitating the exchange of PRM doctors between different countries and engaging in moral and ethical debate. The Academy debates ethical matters and in this acts as a guardian of the speciality’s views. The Academy is entirely independent