Royal Society launches 350th anniversary campaign

The Royal Society has launched a £100 million fundraising campaign in the build up to celebrating its 350th anniversary in 2010.

The Society is seeking support to expand its ability to invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation, to influence policymaking, to invigorate science and mathematics education, to increase access to the best science internationally and to inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery.

Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "For the first time in its history, our planet's fate depends on human actions and choices. Science will play a central role in our response and the astonishing advances that will come in the next decades must be used for the benefit of society worldwide. This campaign will raise the funds to help that become a reality."

The £100 million campaign will provide long term funding for projects such as:

• The expansion of scientific research fellowships in industry/academic exchanges, international exchanges and Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships in support of women in science
• The development of a Royal Society Science Policy Centre focussing on five critical areas; climate change, new technologies, health, international security and innovation
• Strengthening science and mathematics education
• Increasing science capacity in sub-Saharan Africa
• Creating a major exhibition for 2010 that will highlight the role of science in modern life and the opening up of the Society's library and archives to a wider audience through new media technology.

Lord Sainsbury, Chair of the 350th Anniversary Campaign Board, said: "Our five ambitious goals for the campaign are focused on strengthening science for the coming century. They build on the Society's core strength of supporting excellence and establish a new agenda for it in the areas of science education, innovation and public engagement. We call on industrial and philanthropic leaders across Britain and the world to join us in helping to secure the future of science and the health of the planet."

The Campaign Board is made up of Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Sir Tom McKillop, Sir David Attenborough, Adrian Beecroft, Bill Bryson, Dr Hermann Hauser, Dr Ralph Kohn, Professor Noreen Murray, Sir Peter Ogden, Lord Rees of Ludlow, Sir David Wallace and Sir Peter Williams.

Notes for Editors

1. The Royal Society, the UK's national academy of science, celebrates its 350th anniversary in 2010. Its five anniversary goals are to:

• 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

For further information, please contact:

Press and Public Relations
The Royal Society, London
Tel: 020 7451 xxxx/2510