Our mission and vision

Science and its applications have an enormous impact on all our lives, but in order to maximise the potential of science for the benefit of social wellbeing, cultural enrichment and economic prosperity, there is a need to create a two-way debate between science and society, relating science to people's everyday lives. 

Our vision is:

A world where everyone is inspired to think more deeply about science and its place in our lives.

Our mission is:

Building on our heritage to create opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and critically examine science and how it shapes the world around us.

You can take part in live events with the world’s leading thinkers as well as explore the history of the Ri in greater depth at the Faraday Museum. On the Ri YouTube channel you can catch up on events, as well as watch the best science videos on the web. We are also continually increasing the number of films available in our CHRISTMAS LECTURES archive.

Young people can actively experiment in a research laboratory as well as meet leading scientists in demonstration-packed live events. Aspiring mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists can also take part in extended hands-on Ri Masterclasses with specially trained experts at over 140 locations around the country. 

We are probably most famous for our CHRISTMAS LECTURES which were started by Michael Faraday in 1825 and have been broadcast on television since 1936.

Anyone can join the Ri as an Ri Patron or an Ri Member. If you're interested in how the world works, or how to make it work better through science, the Ri is the place for you.

The Royal Institution is a registered charity, no 227938