The Royal Society

The Royal Society, independent body that promotes the natural sciences, including mathematics and all applied aspects such as engineering and medicine, located in London, England. The society evolved from regular meetings, begun in 1645, of a group of English scientists, of which Robert Boyle was an outstanding member. Founded in 1660 during the reign of King Charles II, it was incorporated by royal charter in 1662. Its objectives are to encourage scientific research and its application; to recognize excellence in scientific research; to promote international scientific relations and facilitate the exchange of scientists; to provide independent advice on scientific matters, notably to the British government; to represent and support the scientific community; to promote science education as well as scientific understanding and awareness in the general public; and to support research into the history of scientific endeavor. The society is self-governed by a president and council, whose statutory responsibilities include making appointments to research councils, and it has representatives in the governing bodies of many organizations.

The Royal Society’s various publications include Philosophical Transactions (started in 1665), a complete survey of the progress of scientific knowledge to the present time, and Proceedings, a record of the society’s activities. The society also publishes reports of scientific studies and reports on science in the United Kingdom for the international scientific community.