As a funding agency, The Royal Society supports around 400 of the best young scientists in the UK as well as 17 senior research professors. In addition, more than 3000 scientists from the UK and abroad benefit from Society grants to undertake research or participate in visits or conferences.

Future scientists

The Society encourages effective science and mathematics education in the UK by influencing decision-makers involved in defining policy, supporting science and maths teachers with resources and by enthusing young people about science and mathematics.

The Fellowship

Each year the Society elects around 44 scientists, engineers or technologist to become part of its Fellowship - an honour that is the UK equivalent of receiving the Nobel Prize. The Fellowship, through the Society's Council, decide its priorities and future direction as an organisation.

Science advice

The Society's influential position as the UK's academy of science means it can influence policy makers by providing them with independent and objective science advice on a wide range of issues. This advice is based on the latest evidence, provided by world experts.

Meetings and events

Every year the Society holds a series of events so that members of the public can hear about and debate topical, cutting-edge science. The Society's premier public event is its Summer Science Exhibition. Working with our Fellows, the Society also holds international scientific meetings which bring leading scientists together to discuss new and exciting developments in science and engineering.

Debating science

The Society is working to ensure the public voice is heard when science policy is shaped, through its Science in Society programme and more generally through the consultations it undertakes as it develops its science advice for policy makers.

Equality and diversity

As science and engineering impacts on all of society, it is important that there is equality for those working in research careers and that the scientific and engineering community is as diverse as wider society. The Royal Society has a range of programmes that promote equality and diversity in science.

International relations

As the UK academy of science, the Society represents the UK scientific community both in the UK and abroad and organises events to showcase outstanding overseas research. It also encourages international scientific interaction though its funding schemes.

Publishing journals

The Society publishes seven peer-reviewed international journals to support the sharing of scientific knowledge. They are available in print and on-line via subscription and pay-per-view.

Rewarding achievement

Outstanding scientific achievement is recognised through the Society's medals and prizes. These include the UK's foremost award for science communication, the Michael Faraday Prize, and the Rosalind Franklin Medal, awarded for scientific excellence with winners expected to undertake work in support of women in science.

History of science

The Society's library is a world-class resource for the history of science and, along with grants to encourage research into the history of science, means the Society is ensuring we have a unique insight into the development of science over the last 350 years.

Date Published: 05/02/10