The Royal Society of New South Wales

What we do

The Society encourages studies and investigations in Science, Art, Literature, and Philosophy with the mission of enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry.

The Society:

• Conducts meetings for the benefit of members and the general public — including monthly face-to-face gatherings and online meetings, named lectures including the Pollock Memorial Lecture, the Liversidge Memorial Lecture in Chemistry, the Poggendorf Memorial Lecture in Agriculture, and the Clarke Memorial Lecture; special events such as [email protected] which are conducted in partnership with the Governor of New South Wales; and the annual Forum conducted in partnership with Australia's learned academies that focus on important contemporary issues
• Publishes a video record of its monthly meetings, named lectures, and special events (i.e., the annual Forum and [email protected] series) on YouTube
• Publishes the results of research and scholarship through its Journal and Proceedings
• Publishes the Bulletin — a monthly newsletter for Society members
• Awards prestigious prizes and medals that recognise outstanding achievements in research
• Liaises with other similar bodies
• Maintains a library that is an important part of Australia's historical heritage.

 

The Governor of New South Wales is the Society's Vice-Regal Patron.

Throughout its history, the Society has done much to foster local research, particularly in science, through meetings, symposia, publications, and international scientific exchange, and has supported and fostered the endeavours of other organisations dedicated to the furtherance of knowledge.

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, and a branch in Western NSW established in 2021. Regular meetings are held in all locations and are well attended by members and visitors. A further branch at Orange in the Central West of NSW has been active in the recent past.

Membership

Membership of the Royal Society of New South Wales is open to any person interested in 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.