President’s Message

We value our heritage. Indeed, we are inspired by it: 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 founders were inspired by Francis Bacon. He believed that scientific discovery should be driven not just by the quest for intellectual enlightenment but also for ‘the relief of man’s estate’. That’s even truer in the 21st century when, for the first time in its history, our planet’s fate depends on human actions and human choices. Science will play a central role in our response to these challenges and the astonishing advances that will come in the next decades must be used for the benefit of society worldwide.

The Royal Society’s focus is firmly on the 21st century. The pioneering spirit of the Society remains, as does our commitment to providing leadership to the scientific community and to encouraging and sustaining excellent science and technology. Our top priority must be to nurture and support those who will be the leaders of science 20 years from now. It is also vital that we influence public policy decisions with authoritative and independent scientific advice, ensure that successive generations are attracted into science through a dynamic education system, and build an awareness of science as an integral part of our shared human culture.

As we prepare for our 350th Anniversary in 2010, the Royal Society will reach out to scientific, business and philanthropic leaders to meet these challenges. Our actions now will have a profound effect on the future.

Martin Rees