About

ABOUT THE RSE

The RSE is Scotland’s National Academy. It is a charitable independent body which, through its 1600+ Fellows based in Scotland, elsewhere in the UK and globally, and with the support of a staff group currently numbering 48, delivers an extensive programme of public benefit activities which:

Inspire and support Scotland’s most promising young talent across the research, business and public sectors, in order to create value for the economy and society;
Engage the public on key contemporary issues by providing an impartial forum for public debate and discussion;
Provide expertise to ensure that Scotland’s policy makers and influencers have access to the best national, and indeed global, expertise and;
Promote Scotland’s interests and reputation on the global stage.

Through our activities we aim to:

Enhance research capacity and leadership in Scotland and the ability to realise benefits from the research base;
Inform and influence public policy;
Enhance the public’s contribution to and engagement with contemporary national and global scientific, cultural and economic issues;
Raise Scotland’s profile and strengthen its connections with the world;

RSE’s mission, as set out in its Royal Charter of 1783, is “the advancement of learning and useful knowledge”. Our contemporary purpose remains the same as expressed in our strapline ‘knowledge made useful’. The breadth of expertise and experience within its Fellowship ranges from life sciences, physical sciences and technology, to arts, humanities, social science, business, public service and the creative arts. The multidisciplinary breadth of the RSE – reaching well beyond the academic world – is a key strength and unique among the UK national academies.

The RSE also has distinctive strengths based on its broad convening power, its capability for scrutiny of complex issues, its standing as an independent and impartial forum and its ability to harness Scottish intellectual and cultural achievement and talent to the benefit of Scotland and the wider world.

The RSE is one of many public, private and third sector bodies that contribute to Scotland’s economic, cultural and social wellbeing. RSE Fellows and staff work alongside and in partnership with many other individuals and organisations which share our aims and values.

The organisation has been on a journey of change and modernisation over the last 18 months to enhance impact and reach. This includes taking a more strategic approach to activity and decision-making; modernising processes and ways of working; reviewing governance; enhancing external communications and marketing; and transforming RSE’s approach to public engagement. Recent initiatives include curating a well-received exhibition on ‘Women in Science in Scotland’ (shortly to go on tour throughout Scotland), being part of a Boffinarium at Belladrum and running a summer programme of events ‘Curious’ throughout August. This journey of change continues and the new Director of Programmes will play a pivotal role in enabling RSE to achieve its ambitions of increased reach and impact and play a key part in the development of the next Strategic Framework.

Structure

RSE comprises a staff team of around 48 and is organised into three directorates: a Programmes Directorate, a Finance and Corporate Services Directorate and a Development Directorate each led by a Director who collectively form the senior leadership team (Directors’ Group) led by the Chief Executive.

Staff Organogram

Governance

The RSE is an educational charity, registered in Scotland, operating on a wholly independent and non-party political basis and providing public benefit throughout Scotland. It is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by RSE President, Dame Professor Anne Glover and comprising members from across academia, business and public service. The Council is supported by a number of committees governing the election of new fellows and advising on key elements of RSE activity. This includes an International Committee, Public Engagement Committee, Education Committee and Economy and Enterprise Committee.

RSE Council (Board of Trustees)

Further Information

Please click on the links below for further information about the RSE: