As a registered charity, fellowship and National Academy, the Royal Society undertakes a range of activities that provide public benefit, either directly or indirectly. These include providing financial support and funding programmes for scientists at various stages of their careers, organising scientific conferences to foster discussion, publishing scientific journals, electing outstanding scientists from around the world as Fellows and Foreign Members, and representing the UK to advocate for science and its benefits, including informing public policy.

Research and innovation advance our economic, social and cultural wellbeing, provide health benefits and are key to sustainable long-term economic growth. The Society is concerned with excellent science, wherever and by whomever it is done, and is committed to increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).