About us
Enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry since 1821.
The Royal Society of New South Wales
What we do
The Royal Society of New South Wales is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry since 1821. Throughout our history, the Society has done much to foster studies and research in science, art, literature, and philosophy through meetings, symposia, publications, and international scientific exchange, and has supported and fostered the endeavours of other organisations dedicated to the furtherance of knowledge.
The Society
- Conducts expert lectures and presentations for the benefit of members and the general public — including monthly face-to-face and online gatherings, special events such as Ideas@theHouse in partnership with the Governor of New South Wales, and the annual Forum in partnership with Australia’s learned academies
- Publishes a video record of its lectures, presentations, and special events on YouTube
- Publishes peer-reviewed research and scholarship through the Journal and Proceedings
- Publishes the Bulletin, a monthly newsletter for members
- Recognises excellence and achievement through the Fellowship and Distinguished Fellowship membership categories
- Awards prestigious prizes and medals that recognise outstanding achievements in research and service
- Liaises with other similar bodies
- Maintains a library that is an important part of Australia’s historical heritage
Who we are
The Royal Society of New South Wales is a learned society with a 200-year history that traces its origins to the formation of the Philosophical Society of Australasia in 1821, with its purpose to ‘awaken a spirit of research or excite a thirst for information’ — a sentiment that is alive today through the mission of enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry, principally through public, interdisciplinary discussions and debates of important matters in the sciences and humanities.
We contribute to a just, secure, and sustainable world by mobilising the multidisciplinary expertise of members, providing authentic and authoritative information, addressing national and global challenges, and recognising and promoting excellence. In doing so, the Society is integral to the social and economic well-being, and the profile and reputation of NSW.
Our values
The Society upholds the principles of liberal democracy and encourages a non-discriminatory discourse and the free exchange of ideas that respect religious, political, and cultural freedoms, seeing these as fundamental to Australian intellectual life.
We subscribe to the following ideals:
- Commitment to advancing the best interests of society: advancing knowledge and understanding for a more just, sustainable, and secure society.
- A questioning spirit: supporting the principles of freedom of thought and speech, and the scientific method of inquiry.
- Diverse and inclusive engagement: embracing and including individual differences and contributions to our collective success and social engagement.
- Boldness and innovation: acting with courage to address issues of the day, take calculated risks, and to innovate as modern technologies expand ways to communicate.
- Good governance: organisational practices that are ethical, expert, inclusive, respectful, courteous, consultative, participatory, accountable, and sustainable.
The Governor of New South Wales is the Society’s Vice-Regal Patron
The Governor, jointly with the Society, convenes the Ideas@theHouse series of lectures at Government House Sydney, dedicated to the exploration of important and influential ideas. The Governor also graciously hosts the annual Forum at Government House Sydney.
Our strategy
The Royal Society of NSW is an inclusive, collegiate, learned institution that encompasses a diverse group of people dedicated to ideas that matter. It draws together people who span a wide range of disciplines and knowledge, creates a focus for sharing and applying expertise, and delivers an independent and authoritative voice. Valuing the notion of the public intellectual, the Society encourages its Members and Fellows to speak out on important issues that shape the future of NSW and the nation.
Our strategic plan is based on a vision of enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry that supports our mission of contributing to a just, secure, and sustainable society.
The 2024–2029 Master Plan was approved by the Council in March 2024.
Branches
The Society has its head office in Sydney and an expanding network of branches in New South Wales. Presently, these include a long-standing branch in the Southern Highlands, a branch in the Hunter region, established in 2019, a branch in Western NSW, established in 2021, and a new branch in the New England and Northwest region of NSW, established in 2024.
Regular meetings are held in all locations and are well attended by members and visitors.
Membership
Membership of the Royal Society of New South Wales is open to any person interested in the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of studies in Science, Art, Literature, and Philosophy and is an avenue through which individuals can share in the work of the Society.
Futher details of membership, including the benefits, categories of membership, and how to join the Society are available on the website.
Please support our work
We are a registered charity and very much welcome your support through donations or a bequest. Donations in support of our Scholarship and Library programs are tax-deductible in Australia.
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