The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland’s National Academy. A wholly independent, non party-political body with charitable status, the RSE is a knowledge resource for the people of Scotland.Organising conferences and lectures both for the specialist and for the general public, the RSE is a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance. Scotland’s foremost think-tank, the Society draws upon the expertise of its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of international standing, to provide independent, expert advice to key decision making bodies, including Government and Parliament.

Strengthening links between academia and industry and boosting wealth-generation at home, the Society’s Research Awards programme annually awards well over half a million pounds to exceptionally talented young academics and potential entrepreneurs.

Today, operating a successful programme of inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops for primary and secondary school pupils, the RSE is also active in classrooms from the Borders to the Northern Isles. The multidisciplinary membership of the RSE makes it unique amongst learned Societies in Great Britain.

Its peer-elected fellowship encompasses excellence in the Sciences, Arts, Humanities, the Professions, Industry and Commerce. Born out of the intellectual ferment of the Scottish Enlightenment, the RSE was founded in 1783 by Royal charter for the "advancement of learning and useful knowledge".

A progressive Scottish Society, working as part of the UK and within a global context, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is committed to the future of Scotland’s social, economic and cultural well-being.

The RSE is Scottish Charity No. SC000470