The aim of this study was twofold: a) identify the epistemological conceptions of academics; and b) examine the differences and similarities between those conceptions. A selection of Views on Science-Technology- Society (Aikenhead, Ryan & Fleming, 1989) items was made and used to assess the conceptions of academics from different scientific fields about the nature of scientific knowledge and its ways of production and justification. The Academic Profession Questionnaire (Arroz, 2000) was also administered. Data from 127 academics from the University of Azores (representing 52.8% of the population) was submitted to a multiple correspondence analysis followed by an hierarchical classification (SPAD 3.5). The set of clusters obtained, corresponding to different epistemological patters, which represent the conceptual diversity, will be presented and examined in terms of the following: professional identity, personal characteristics, social and professional background and perceptions of research and teachings practices of the subjects. The findings are discussed in terms of the insight provided into academic development, both in the teaching and research dimensions