Royal Microscopical Society
Our object is to promote the advancement of microscopical science through the discussion and publication of research into improvements in the construction and mode of application of microscopes and into those branches of science where microscopy is important, and to organise educational activities concerned with microscopy for the benefit of the general public and for the science community.
Activities & Mission
Our object is to promote the advancement of microscopical science through the discussion and publication of research into improvements in the construction and mode of application of microscopes and into those branches of science where microscopy is important, and to organise educational activities concerned with microscopy for the benefit of the general public and for the science community.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 79% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 356). How is this calculated?
Higher than 53% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 51% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £1,680,511 | £1,826,425 | £1,781,073 | £5,447,928 | £5,416,888 | 15 / 95 |
| 2023 | £1,886,206 | £1,879,639 | £1,835,849 | £5,325,387 | £5,303,546 | 14 / 100 |
| 2022 | £1,402,376 | £1,525,306 | £1,480,664 | £5,193,493 | £5,174,329 | 14 / 100 |
| 2021 | £1,159,676 | £1,094,764 | £1,048,880 | £5,768,102 | £5,752,799 | 14 / 100 |
| 2020 | £1,237,691 | £1,322,813 | £1,280,136 | £4,884,154 | £4,868,851 | 15 / 100 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Royal Microscopical Society
What does Royal Microscopical Society do?
Our object is to promote the advancement of microscopical science through the discussion and publication of research into improvements in the construction and mode of application of microscopes and into those branches of science where microscopy is important, and to organise educational activities concerned with microscopy for the benefit of the general public and for the science community.
How much income did Royal Microscopical Society report in 2024?
Royal Microscopical Society reported total income of £1.68m and reported expenditure of £1.83m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Royal Microscopical Society?
Royal Microscopical Society has a program ratio of 106.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 79% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 356 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Royal Microscopical Society registered as a charity?
Royal Microscopical Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 26 July 1965 as charity number 241990. It has been registered for 61 years.
Who runs Royal Microscopical Society?
Royal Microscopical Society is governed by a board of 23 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Royal Microscopical Society operate?
Royal Microscopical Society operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Royal Microscopical Society a registered charity?
Yes — Royal Microscopical Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 241990.
Details
Oxford
OX4 1AJ
Registry Information
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Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated