The Royal Society of NSW traces its origins back to the Philosophical Society of Australasia, established nearly 200 years ago on 27 June 1821. Today, the Society is an inclusive, learned institution that aims to enrich lives through knowledge and inquiry. It encompasses a diverse group of people who are dedicated to ideas that matter and who contribute to a just, secure, and sustainable society by:

• Mobilising the multidisciplinary expertise of Society members
• Providing authentic and authoritative information
• Addressing national and global challenges
• Recognising and promoting excellence.

The Council is the Society’s governing body, and together with its Committees, is responsible for the planning and delivery of the Society’s programs and the initiatives of an ambitious triennial Strategic Plan. Amongst these initiatives are the successful delivery of the Bicentenary celebration during 2021–22, increasing the visibility, reach and influence of the Society through events and other programs, and improving the Society’s financial position.

Nominations for the 2021 Council are now sought from committed and motivated Members and Fellows of the Society who wish to make a difference by contributing to the future directions and work of the Society. Nominations are particularly sought from younger members of the Society, and from women and other underrepresented groups, in line with the Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Please note that it is expected that all Councillors of the Society are willing to become a Committee Chair or to take on other active roles for the Society, in addition to their contributions as members of Council.

Information sessions are envisaged to ensure that personal expectations regarding time commitment and activities required are suitably aligned with the goals of Society. If you would like to participate in such a session, please contact the Society’s Executive Officer by email to register your interest.

At this election, nominations are sought for the positions of:

• President (2-year term)
• Vice-President (2-year term)
• Secretary (2-year term)
• Treasurer (2-year term)
• Librarian (2-year Term)
• Webmaster (2-year term)
• Eight (8) ordinary members of Council (2-year and 1-year terms, according to the Rules). 

 

Nominations open on Monday, 15 February and must be submitted by email to the Society’s Secretary, using the linked form, by 5.00pm (AEDT) on Friday, 5 March 2021. You are encouraged to take advantage of the invitation on the nomination form to submit a paragraph setting out the experience and attributes you will bring to the position, if elected. That statement will be made available to all electors.

I thank you for your ongoing commitment and encourage each of you to consider nominating for a Council position so that you can make a valued contribution and real difference to the Society.

Bruce Ramage
Secretary, Royal Society of NSW