Current topics

Explore the main scientific topics the Royal Society is working in. Introducing the broad topic, the Society's main work and more.

AI and data Climate change and biodiversity Equality, diversity and inclusion Education and skills Genetic technologies Health History of science Innovation New technologies Research system, culture and funding

AI and data

Artificial intelligence and data-enabled technologies have huge potential to transform our lives and society as a whole. Ensuring they are used safely and effectively is essential for the UK’s wellbeing, security and economic growth.

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Climate change and biodiversity

Human activities are changing the climate. Science can help us understand what we are doing to habitats and the climate, but also find solutions.

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Education and skills

Young people should have every opportunity to lead rewarding lives, and this significantly depends on having access to the best possible education. Ensuring that future citizens from all backgrounds experience a good education is the most effective pathway to fulfilling careers, meaningful engagement with society and developing a sense of place and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

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Equality, diversity and inclusion

Science should be open to everyone, without barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. A scientific community that is as diverse and inclusive as possible can only improve what it is able to achieve.

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Genetic technologies

Reading, interpreting and editing genetic material is getting faster, cheaper, and more precise. Using the power of genetic technologies in living things has enormous implications and raises important ethical issues for discussion, so it is important they are used appropriately and society is involved in the big decisions about their use.

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Health

Advances in medical science have dramatically improved our ability to understand, diagnose, treat and prevent disease. People today live longer and are healthier than at any point in human history. But new challenges to our health relating to our lifestyles, ageing, growing population, and climate change, also need to be tackled.

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History of science

The Royal Society uses its unmatched historical collections as a resource for the academic study in the history of science and other disciplines, and as a source of inspiration for the wider public.

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Innovation

Turning research into commercially successful products and services is one way science can bring meaningful improvements to people’s lives. This process requires support and long-term planning but is the lifeblood of a thriving economy.

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New technologies

The development of new technology relies upon science pushing back the boundaries of what we know and finding new ways of tackling problems. But while every new technology can bring huge benefits, it can also alter our lives in some surprising and unexpected ways.

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Research system, culture and funding

The UK has a world-class research system, producing high quality science that contributes to the country’s economic growth while also tackling society’s biggest challenges. The funding of research, along with the culture it supports, needs to continually evolve if science is to be the best it can be.

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