The Council is the governing body of the Royal Society of New South Wales, an independent organisation that creates and disseminates knowledge across a broad spectrum of disciplines — science, art, literature, and philosophy. Its purpose is to investigate, elaborate, inform, and influence the public discourse on the highly complex problems the world faces in the 21st century, particularly those that impact New South Wales and Australia.

The Council, through its working groups and other activities, is responsible for the planning and delivery of the Society’s programs guided by the five strategic initiatives of its Master Plan. These include securing the financial future of the Society by developing a Future Fund, creating a program of Activities with Impact, Engaging with its Members, building awareness of the Society and its activities through an Effective Communication program, and continuing to develop Operational Excellence.  

Nominations are being sought from committed and motivated Members and Fellows of the Society who wish to make a difference by contributing to the future of the Society.  Nominations are sought, particularly from younger members of the Society and from women and other under-represented groups, in line with the Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy.  Council members serve a two-year term, with about half the Council being elected every year.

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

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Librarian
• Webmaster
• Two (2) members of Council

Note that it is expected that all Councillors of the Society will be willing to become a Committee Chair or take on other active roles for the Society, in addition to their contributions as a member of Council.

Nominations will open at 12 noon AEDT on Monday, 10 February 2025
and will close at 5.00 pm AEDT on Friday, 28 February 2025

Nominations must include a nominee statement (of not more than 250 words), outlining the candidate’s experience and the contribution to the Society that can be expected if elected.  A high-resolution, head-and-shoulder image needs to be submitted to accompany the election papers.  The statement and photograph will be made available on the Society’s website.  Further information is available on the nomination form.

Note: that it is a requirement of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for directors of corporations to have a Director ID. A nomination form cannot be accepted without a Director ID.

Nominations must be submitted by email to the Society’s Secretary by the due date using the form that is available at this link.

If you would like further information regarding time commitment and activities required, please contact the Society’s Secretary by email to register your interest.

Dr Donald Hector AM FRSN

Secretary, Royal Society of New South Wales
E: [email protected]