The Royal Society has had a hand in some of the most innovative and life changing discoveries in scientific history. It supports the UK's brightest and best young scientists, engineers and technologists, influences science policy, debates scientific issues with the public and much more.
Founded in 1660, the Society has
three roles:
as the UK academy of science promoting the natural and applied sciences, as a learned society, and as a funding agency.
Our five
strategic priorities
ensure our contribution to shaping the future of science in the UK and beyond has a deep and enduring impact. To do this we:
- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
- Invigorate science and mathematics education
- Increase access to the best science internationally
- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery
The Royal Society: past and present
As the
world's oldest science academy,
the Royal Society is celebrating its
350th anniversary
in 2010. To raise the global profile of science, technology and engineering and to increase the public's involvement in science, our anniversary celebrations promote the scientific ideas, questions and issues of the 21st century among new audiences.
Since its foundation, the Society has played its part in some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs and discoveries. At 350 years old, it is as relevant as ever in its drive to champion the development and use of science, mathematics, engineering and medicine for the benefit of humanity and the good of the planet.
Our Fellows,
who are elected for life from across the Commonwealth on the basis of excellence, have helped create the modern world . The Society has included some of the greatest thinkers and scientists of our times. Newton, Hooke, Faraday, Maxwell, Darwin, Hodgkin, the discovery of the electron, splitting the atom, the computer, and the double helix, all figure large in the annals of the Royal Society.
Our focus is on the science of the future - finding new solutions to the world's energy and food needs, addressing the threats of climate change and making the world a safer place. We look forward to what science can do for everyone's welfare and to future breakthroughs that will enrich science and society.