The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society)
Notable UK charityAlso known as: The Royal Society
The Royal Society has three roles: A learned society; The UK's Academy of Science; And as a funding agency. We- Promote science and its benefits- Recognise excellence in science- Support outstanding science- Provide scientific advice for policy- Foster international and global cooperation- Provide education and public engagement
Activities & Mission
The Royal Society has three roles: A learned society; The UK's Academy of Science; And as a funding agency. We- Promote science and its benefits- Recognise excellence in science- Support outstanding science- Provide scientific advice for policy- Foster international and global cooperation- Provide education and public engagement
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.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 55% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M (sample: 222). How is this calculated?
Higher than 62% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 48% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £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 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £157,614,000 | £151,520,000 | £148,379,000 | £613,518,000 | £35,800,000 | 291 / 50 |
| 2024 | £396,290,000 | £145,955,000 | £143,279,000 | £609,493,000 | £35,700,000 | 266 / 0 |
| 2023 | £139,786,000 | £141,691,000 | £138,610,000 | £334,562,000 | £32,400,000 | 234 / 0 |
| 2022 | £124,581,000 | £127,654,000 | £124,092,000 | £356,207,000 | £34,300,000 | 213 / 0 |
| 2021 | £136,170,000 | £138,422,000 | £136,327,000 | £334,590,000 | £26,200,000 | 219 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society)
What does The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) do?
The Royal Society has three roles: A learned society; The UK's Academy of Science; And as a funding agency. We- Promote science and its benefits- Recognise excellence in science- Support outstanding science- Provide scientific advice for policy- Foster international and global cooperation- Provide education and public engagement
How much income did The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) report in 2025?
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) reported total income of £157.61m and reported expenditure of £151.52m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society)?
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) has a program ratio of 94.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 55% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M (sample of 222 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) registered as a charity?
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 22 January 1963 as charity number 207043. It has been registered for 63 years.
Who runs The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society)?
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) is governed by a board of 24 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) operate?
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) a registered charity?
Yes — The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society) is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 207043.
Details
LONDON
SW1Y 5AG
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
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Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Royal Society
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated