Royal Society

The Royal Society is the national academy of sciences for the United Kingdom. Its formal name is The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. This learned society plays several vital roles in the modern world. It promotes science and explains its many benefits to the public. The group also recognizes excellence in scientific research and supports outstanding work. Additionally, the society provides scientific advice for government policy and education. It works to foster international cooperation to solve global challenges.

The society is governed by a group called the Council. This Council is led by a President who follows specific rules called statutes and standing orders. The basic members of the society are known as Fellows. There are currently about 1,700 Fellows in the organization. These Fellows elect the President and the members of the Council from among themselves. Each year, the society appoints up to 73 new Fellows. These individuals are selected from a competitive pool of around 800 candidates.

Beyond the primary Fellows, the society includes other important roles. There are royal fellows, honorary fellows, and foreign members. Up to 24 new foreign members are appointed every year from the same pool of 800 candidates. These members are allowed to use the title ForMemRS, which stands for Foreign Member of the Royal Society. The current President of the Royal Society is Paul Nurse. He took over the leadership role from Sir Adrian Smith in December 2025. The society has been located at 6–9 Carlton House Terrace in London since 1967.

The origins of the society lie in groups of natural philosophers and physicians. In the early 17th century, these thinkers were sometimes called the "Invisible College." This term appeared in German pamphlets and was used in scientific correspondence. Leaders like Robert Boyle participated in these early meetings. These groups wanted to gain knowledge through experimental investigation. They met at various locations, such as Gresham College in London and Wadham College in Oxford. These early gatherings were heavily influenced by the "new science" promoted by Francis Bacon.

On November 28, 1660, the society was officially founded. Twelve natural philosophers met at Gresham College to start a college for experimental learning. This group included famous figures like Christopher Wren and Robert Boyle. Shortly after, King Charles II granted the group a royal charter. This charter was signed on July 15, 1662, and created the "Royal Society of London." A second charter was signed in 1663, which officially named the group the Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge.

During the 18th century, the society experienced significant changes and challenges. The number of Fellows grew from 110 to approximately 300 by the year 1739. The reputation of the society rose greatly under the presidency of Sir Isaac Newton. Newton served as President from 1703 until his death in 1727.

However, the society also faced financial difficulties. By 1740, the group had a deficit of £240 because some members did not pay their fees. Despite this, the society continued to publish the Philosophical Transactions and demonstrate new scientific devices.

Political issues sometimes affected the society's work during this era. In 1777, a debate over lightning conductors became a political matter. Scientists argued over whether to use the design by Benjamin Franklin or a different version by Benjamin Wilson. This argument was so intense that it led to the resignation of the President, Sir John Pringle. Even with these tensions, the society maintained its role in advising the government. It became customary to appoint Fellows to serve on government committees regarding science. This practice of connecting scientific expertise to public service continues to this day.