The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

The Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science across the wide breadth of research areas.

The Society’s strategic priorities emphasise its commitment to the highest quality science, to curiosity driven research, and to the development and use of science for the benefit of society.

These priorities are:
- Promoting excellence in science
- Supporting international scientific collaboration
- Demonstrating the importance of science to everyone