The Collegium Palynologicum Scandinavicum (CPS) was established in 1969 by Professor Gunnar Erdtman and a group of Nordic palynologists with the aim to stimulate the interest for palynology and to coordinate palynological research across the Nordic countries.

Both CPS and GRANA have roots in Quaternary to recent palynology, which flourished in the Nordic countries during the 1940s and 1950s. While the activities of the CPS ceased in the 1960s, GRANA continued to develop as a central publication in the field.

During the 1970–1980s, many palynologists become active in geology, particularly in connection with the expanding oil-exploration in the Nordic region. After a period of reduced activity, a renewed need for professional exchange led to the re-activation of CPS.

Since then, the society has played an important role in organising regular Nordic Palynological Meetings, bringing together new generations of palynologists: scientifically and socially. Today, CPS has around 140 members across the Nordic countries and beyond. The society continues steadily and GRANA is a well renowned and spread out Journal of Palynology and Aerobiology.

While the role of palynology in hydrocarbon exploration has declined in recent years, the discipline remains highly relevant in academic research, paleoenvironmental reconstructions, and emerging applications. New application areas, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), environmental baseline studies for offshore renewable‑energy projects, as well as a strong foundation in academic research and university teaching, continue to drive the field forward. In this evolving landscape, CPS maintains its core role as a platform for connecting palynologists, fostering exchange, and supporting the continuity of the discipline.

Today, the main goal of CPS is to support of the next generation of palynologists to ensure the continuity of the field, for example through support of student travel to conferences and educational events, like workshops.