development

‘Meshing Science with Society at the Ri’

A note from the Director:

‘Our vision is to position the Royal Institution at the centre of 21st Century society where science will take its proper place at the heart of all our lives.’

The new millennium is bringing science into people’s lives more than ever before. As Director of the Ri I am continually reminded of the huge level of public interest not only in my own subject of the brain, but science generally.

Scientists everywhere are realising the full extent of public enthusiasm for the latest scientific discoveries. There is also a general recognition of the importance of science and technology to the greater economic and social good: but there are also anxieties-about genetically modified food, global warming and many other issues that demand informed debate.

The Ri has been at the forefront of scientific research and public dissemination for over two centuries. We are now aiming to continue this vital activity by creating a Salon for Science, where people from all backgrounds can meet to discuss the great scientific issues of the day in the formal scenarios of lectures, panel discussions, debates, as well as the informal settings of a café bistro - demonstrating how science can mesh with society.

Baroness Greenfield, CBE