20 March 2013
Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman of the Royal Institution (Ri) last night announced that the Ri has received a £4.4 million donation, at a special general meeting for the Institution’s members.
Sir Richard said: “This donation is very timely and will clear the Ri’s bank debt, as well as giving us the breathing room to explore other options more fully. However, our financial issues are far from being resolved.”
Members were also informed about the Future Direction Committee which has been tasked with developing a compelling new vision for the Ri based at its Albemarle Street home. Led by Prof Lord Robert Winston, the committee includes Sir Paul Nurse, Prof Brian Cox, Prof Colin Blakemore, Kim Shillinglaw and several past Christmas Lecturers.
At the meeting, members were given the opportunity to contribute their views about the future direction of the Royal Institution and discuss the Ri’s financial situation.
Summarising the meeting, Sir Richard said: “It sounds like the membership is supportive of the steps we have taken so far. We now need to unite behind a common vision that will garner the financial support necessary to secure our long-term future on Albemarle Street.”
Notes to editors
The Special General Meeting took place at the Royal Institution on Tuesday 19 March 2013. The meeting was for members of the Royal Institution only.
The donation was made by a foundation which will remain anonymous at this stage.
The members of the Future Direction Committee are:
- Prof Lord Robert Winston (Chair)
- Prof Jim Al Khalili
- Prof Chris Bishop
- Prof Colin Blakemore
- Prof Julia Buckingham
- Dr Gail Cardew
- Prof Richard Catlow
- Prof Brian Cox
- Theresa Drowley