The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world's most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. It is the independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth.

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 in many research areas.

The Societies priorities are:

• Promoting science and its benefits
• Recognising excellence in science
• Supporting outstanding science
• Providing scientific advice for policy
• Fostering international and global cooperation
• Education and public engagement