Fróðskaparrit - 01.01.1978, Page 145

Ritstjórnarskifti
153
Jóhan Hendrik W. Poulsen who continues to serve as an editor.
In 1965 their master plan was realized when the Fróðskapar-
setur Føroya (Faroese Academy) was founded. At present ad-
vanced instruction in the Faroese language and literature, sci-
ence and theology is available. It is not yet possible to receive
a final degree, but the examination courses of the Fróðskapar-
setur are recognized as part of the study requirements for Scan-
dinavian universities.
It is unnecessary to introduce to Faroese people these pio-
neers in scholarship as they have both held many important
public positions outside their daily activities.
Hans Debes Joensen was born on 27. 11. 1913 in Tvøroyri.
After taking his leaving certificate in 1932, he began his medi-
cal studies. He became a physician in 1939 and took the state
medical examination in 1942. He worked as a doctor in the
Faroes and in Ðenmark until, in 1949, he was appointed Chief
Medical Officer of the Faroes, the position which he still
holds.
Hans Debes Joensen served as chairman of the Føroya Fróð-
skaparfelag from 1952—1974 and as vice-chairman from 1974
—1977. He was vice-chairman of the board of the Academy
from 1965—1974 and chairman from 1974—1977. In spite of
holding an extremely demanding position, Hans Debes Joensen
has written numerous medical treatises, among others a doctoral
dissertation in 1954. He is also the author of Alisfrøði (Physics)
which won the M. A. Jacobsen Award for 1969. In addition
to his medical and scientific achievements Hans Debes Joensen
has also worked in the fields of lexicography and belles-lettres.
He has recently published Faroese translations of Chinese
poetry.
Jóannes Rasmussen was born on 29. 2. 1912 in Tórshavn.
Originally trained as a clerk, he took his leaving certificate in
1937. During his undergraduate years at Copenhagen Univer-
sity, he worked at the Danish Geological Survey. Here, in the
Faroes, he also worked as a geologist after receiving his mag.