The Needham Research Institute
Also known as: The East Asian History of Science Trust
Building on the late Dr Joseph Needham's foundation, the Institute facilitates, promotes and develops academic research, publication and teaching in the fields of the history of science, medicine and technology in East Asia.
Activities & Mission
Building on the late Dr Joseph Needham's foundation, the Institute facilitates, promotes and develops academic research, publication and teaching in the fields of the history of science, medicine and technology in East Asia.
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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 83% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 84). How is this calculated?
Higher than 39% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 46% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M. (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 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £583,435 | £723,083 | £669,162 | £18,097,779 | £4,049,665 | 9 / 0 |
| 2024 | £633,273 | £729,715 | £659,180 | £17,652,156 | £0 | 9 / 0 |
| 2023 | £666,002 | £712,476 | £712,476 | £16,089,812 | £3,756,321 | 9 / 3 |
| 2022 | £550,851 | £627,863 | £627,863 | £15,711,649 | £2,491,672 | 10 / 0 |
| 2021 | £800,921 | £515,366 | £515,366 | £17,494,725 | £2,661,315 | 11 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Needham Research Institute
What does The Needham Research Institute do?
Building on the late Dr Joseph Needham's foundation, the Institute facilitates, promotes and develops academic research, publication and teaching in the fields of the history of science, medicine and technology in East Asia.
How much income did The Needham Research Institute report in 2025?
The Needham Research Institute reported total income of £583k and reported expenditure of £723k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Needham Research Institute?
The Needham Research Institute has a program ratio of 114.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 83% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 84 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Needham Research Institute registered as a charity?
The Needham Research Institute was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 11 December 1968 as charity number 311459. It has been registered for 58 years.
Who runs The Needham Research Institute?
The Needham Research Institute is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is PROFESSOR MARTIN KENNETH JONES PHD. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Needham Research Institute operate?
The Needham Research Institute operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Needham Research Institute a registered charity?
Yes — The Needham Research Institute is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 311459.
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Registry Information
Other notable Research charities
Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also Known As
- The East Asian History of Science Trust
- The Needham Research Institute
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 2 November 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated