The Royal Institution Of Great Britain
Also known as: The Ri, The Royal Institution of Science
The Ri's mission is to harness science for the maximum benefit of society. The Ri's objects, as defined by the Royal Charter of 1800, are to diffuse knowledge, facilitate the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements and for teaching by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments, the application of science to the common purposes of life.
Activities & Mission
The Ri's mission is to harness science for the maximum benefit of society. The Ri's objects, as defined by the Royal Charter of 1800, are to diffuse knowledge, facilitate the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements and for teaching by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments, the application of science to the common purposes of life.
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 10% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 356). How is this calculated?
Higher than 9% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 6% 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 | £7,855,000 | £6,600,000 | £3,736,000 | £48,307,000 | £24,399,000 | 66 / 200 |
| 2023 | £5,954,000 | £6,740,000 | £3,927,000 | £46,662,000 | £22,510,000 | 69 / 200 |
| 2022 | £4,601,713 | £5,438,731 | £3,446,629 | £47,380,716 | £22,108,468 | 53 / 200 |
| 2021 | £3,199,838 | £3,974,893 | £2,932,493 | £46,876,000 | £22,364,000 | 48 / 250 |
| 2020 | £4,213,000 | £4,828,000 | £3,340,000 | £45,821,000 | £0 | 65 / 335 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Royal Institution Of Great Britain
What does The Royal Institution Of Great Britain do?
The Ri's mission is to harness science for the maximum benefit of society. The Ri's objects, as defined by the Royal Charter of 1800, are to diffuse knowledge, facilitate the general introduction of useful mechanical inventions and improvements and for teaching by courses of philosophical lectures and experiments, the application of science to the common purposes of life.
How much income did The Royal Institution Of Great Britain report in 2024?
The Royal Institution Of Great Britain reported total income of £7.86m and reported expenditure of £6.60m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Royal Institution Of Great Britain?
The Royal Institution Of Great Britain has a program ratio of 47.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 10% of UK Research charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 356 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Royal Institution Of Great Britain registered as a charity?
The Royal Institution Of Great Britain was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 4 October 1963 as charity number 227938. It has been registered for 63 years.
Who runs The Royal Institution Of Great Britain?
The Royal Institution Of Great Britain is governed by a board of 12 trustees. The chair of trustees is Prof Sir Charles Richard Arthur Catlow. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Royal Institution Of Great Britain operate?
The Royal Institution Of Great Britain operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Royal Institution Of Great Britain a registered charity?
Yes — The Royal Institution Of Great Britain is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 227938.
Details
MAYFAIR
LONDON
W1S 4BS
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 2 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Ri
- The Royal Institution of Science
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated