academic society; learned society; study group
Refers to an organization or association formed for academic study, research, or scholarly exchange. Often used in formal or institutional contexts.
He is a member of the Japanese Studies Society.
I presented my research findings at the academic society.
研究会 typically refers to a research group or workshop, often smaller and more focused than a full academic society. 学協会 can be a larger umbrella organization.
Compound of 学 (がく, 'study, learning') and 協会 (きょうかい, 'association, society'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally used to refer to academic and scholarly organizations.