What Did the Royal Society of London Do?

By Michael Ferguson

The Royal Society of London, commonly known as the Royal Society, is a prestigious scientific academy that was established in 1660. It was founded by a group of scientists who were dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge and research. Over the years, the Royal Society has made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and technology.

A Brief History
The Royal Society was founded on November 28, 1660, by a group of twelve men who met at Gresham College in London. The group included scientists such as Robert Boyle, John Wilkins, and Christopher Wren. The society’s purpose was to promote “natural knowledge” or science through experimental research.

The Mission of the Royal Society
The mission of the Royal Society is to “recognize excellence in science, encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity”. In other words, it strives to advance scientific knowledge while also promoting its application for the betterment of society.

What Does The Royal Society Do?

  • Publishes Scientific Journals: The Royal Society publishes several scientific journals like Philosophical Transactions A and B that contain peer-reviewed papers from scientists around the world.
  • Awards Prizes: The society awards several prestigious prizes like Copley Medal (the oldest scientific prize in world), Wolf Prize in Chemistry and Abel Prize for excellence in various fields of science.
  • Funds Research: The society provides funding for research projects across a wide range of disciplines including life sciences, physical sciences and engineering.
  • Supports Science Communication: The Royal Society is committed to supporting young scientists through mentorship programs. It also promotes public engagement with science through lectures and events.
  • Lobbies For Science: The society works with policymakers and government to ensure that science is given due importance in decision making.

Contributions of The Royal Society

The Royal Society has made several significant contributions to the fields of science and engineering. Some of these contributions include:

  • The Development of the Scientific Method: Members of the Royal Society were instrumental in developing the scientific method, which is now a cornerstone of modern scientific research.
  • Advancement in Engineering: Several members of the society have made significant contributions to engineering, including George Cayley, who is considered to be the father of aviation.
  • Advancement in Life Sciences: The society has played a key role in advancing our understanding of biology and medicine. This includes the discovery of DNA structure by Francis Crick and James Watson, who were members of the society.
  • The Discovery of Oxygen: Joseph Priestley, who was a member of the society, discovered oxygen in 1774. This discovery paved the way for many other important discoveries in chemistry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Royal Society has played an important role in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting its application for the betterment of society. Its contributions have been numerous and far-reaching, from helping to develop the scientific method to advancing our understanding of life sciences and engineering. The society continues to be a beacon for excellence in science and remains committed to fostering innovation and progress in all areas related to science.