About

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Scotland’s National Academy was established in 1783 for “the advancement of learning and useful knowledge”.

Our contemporary mission remains the same – the deployment of knowledge for public good.

As Scotland’s National Academy, we use the combined knowledge of our 1,800-strong Fellowship to provide independent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

This knowledge contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of Scotland, its people and the nation’s wider contribution to the global community.

Jump to: Funding Our team Who we are and what we do Young Academy of Scotland Our history

Funding partnership

The support of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is vital to the RSE’s work in continuing to inspire, engage and advise at home and beyond. SFC contributes to the delivery of RSE’s strategic plan 2023–2028 and delivers SFC’s priorities through shared objectives.

Who we are and what we do

  • What we do

    Find out more about our mission, strategy, values and the vital work we do to tackle urgent issues facing society.

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  • Governance

    Discover the people and governance that underpin our work to create, explore, and share knowledge for everyone. 

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  • News

    Discover the latest news and updates from across the RSE.

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  • Venue hire

    We offer versatile spaces ideal for occasions dedicated to learning and coming together.

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Young Academy of Scotland

The Young Academy of Scotland was founded by the RSE in 2011. It aims to bring together young professionals from a range of disciplines, sectors, and regions in Scotland to provide ideas and direction for challenges facing Scotland.

Find out more

Edinburgh. Princes Street, from the Castle | Credit: Cornell University Library

Our history

The Royal Society of Edinburgh was founded during the Scottish Enlightenment and in 1783 receiving its Royal Charter transformed itself into the Royal Society of Edinburgh with the aim of the advancement of learning and useful knowledge for the public good. Find out what happened next.