Introduction
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland’s National Academy. It brings together leading experts from science, technology, medicine, social sciences, business, public service, arts and the humanities to advance knowledge for public benefit.
The RSE supports researchers through grants and fellowships, provides independent advice to policymakers, promotes innovation and encourages public engagement. It is an independent registered Scottish charity rather than a government department.
History and Background
The Royal Society of Edinburgh was established in 1783 during the Scottish Enlightenment and received a Royal Charter for the “advancement of learning and useful knowledge.”
Throughout its history, the Society has brought together influential scholars, scientists, writers and public leaders. Its distinguished Fellows have included figures such as James Hutton, Walter Scott, James Clerk Maxwell and Peter Higgs.
The original objective of advancing knowledge remains central to the RSE’s contemporary role. Today, the Society uses its multidisciplinary Fellowship to address complex challenges affecting Scotland and the wider world.
Mission and Purpose
The RSE’s mission is to use knowledge for the public good. It seeks to create, explore and share ideas that contribute to a thriving, inclusive and internationally connected Scotland.
Its principal objectives include:
- Supporting excellent research and innovation.
- Providing independent evidence and advice to policymakers.
- Encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
- Developing Scotland’s research and entrepreneurial talent.
- Promoting public understanding of research.
- Strengthening Scotland’s international academic relationships.
- Addressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
The Society’s work focuses particularly on climate and environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, education, social cohesion and inclusion.
Governance and Structure
The RSE is a registered independent charity under Scottish charity number SC000470. It is governed by a Council composed of Fellows elected competitively by their peers.
The Council oversees the Society’s strategy, governance and charitable responsibilities. It delegates specific functions to an Executive Committee, standing committees and specialist groups.
Major governance bodies include committees responsible for:
- Research and research policy.
- Finance and organizational resources.
- Fellowship nominations and elections.
- Education.
- Economy and enterprise.
- International engagement.
- Audit, risk and charitable compliance.
The Society draws upon the knowledge of more than 1,800 Fellows representing academic, professional, cultural and public-service fields.
Funding and Grants
The RSE receives funding from several sources, including:
- Support from the Scottish Funding Council.
- Government-supported research programs.
- Charitable trusts and foundations.
- Donations and philanthropic contributions.
- Partnerships with universities and international institutions.
- Investment income and organizational resources.
- Support from the RSE Scotland Foundation and Caledonian Research Fund.
The Scottish Funding Council supports delivery of the RSE’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. Additional partners finance particular grants, fellowships and community-research initiatives.
Research Awards Programme
The RSE Research Awards Programme normally operates through spring and autumn funding rounds. It supports researchers across disciplines and career stages while promoting collaboration within Scotland and internationally.
Available awards can include:
- Personal Research Fellowships.
- Research Collaboration Grants.
- International Bilateral Visits.
- Small research grants.
- Research workshops and networking activities.
- Community-led research awards.
Eligibility, award values and deadlines differ between funding calls.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Personal Research Fellowships
RSE Personal Research Fellowships allow eligible researchers to focus on a research project for up to 12 months.
Funding supports a temporary replacement for the award holder and may also cover approved research costs. Applicants are generally required to work at an eligible higher education, further education, research or cultural institution based in Scotland.
Research Collaboration Grants
Research Collaboration Grants encourage cooperation between academic disciplines and institutions. They support exploration of important research questions through collaborative networks, meetings and knowledge exchange.
Enterprise Fellowship Scheme
Established in 1997, the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme helps postdoctoral researchers convert academic research and technology into viable businesses and practical applications.
Support includes:
- Salary funding through the host institution.
- Full-time venture-development support.
- Business training and mentoring.
- A development fund of up to £10,000.
- Access to professional and entrepreneurial networks.
Healthy Planet, Healthy People Awards
These awards support community-led research related to healthy environments, food systems and community well-being.
In 2025, the RSE awarded approximately £73,625 to 16 projects across Scotland, with financial support from the Williamson Trust. Projects were designed and led by communities working with researchers or specialist partners.
Young Academy of Scotland
The RSE established the Young Academy of Scotland in 2011. It connects emerging professionals from different disciplines, sectors and regions to develop ideas and contribute to national debates.
Its activities address education, equality, sustainability, health, public engagement and support for early-career professionals.
Policy Advice and Public Engagement
The RSE assembles expert working groups to provide independent evidence to the Scottish and UK governments, parliamentary committees and public agencies.
It also organizes:
- Public lectures and debates.
- Conferences and workshops.
- Educational activities.
- Policy reports and consultation responses.
- Research communication and online resources.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The RSE has made important contributions to research, innovation and public policy in Scotland.
Recent examples include:
- In February 2026, the RSE announced more than £856,000 for 91 research projects selected through its autumn 2025 funding round.
- Funded projects involved researchers from 17 Scottish universities and research institutions, with collaborators from 45 organizations worldwide.
- Research topics included autism support, sea-level rise, voting behaviour and the effects of global warming on soils.
- A Scotland–Lower Saxony academic partnership announced in 2025 created funding streams worth more than £1 million to strengthen cooperation between researchers in Scotland and Germany.
- An economic assessment of the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme attributed more than 200 businesses and over 3,000 jobs to supported entrepreneurial activity.
Through its Fellowship and expert committees, the Society also contributes evidence to policy debates involving education, climate change, economic development, research funding and social inclusion.
Conclusion
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is a leading institution for research, innovation and independent knowledge in Scotland. Since 1783, it has supported the advancement of learning while adapting its programs to contemporary scientific, economic and social challenges.
Through research grants, fellowships, enterprise development, community awards, policy advice and public engagement, the RSE helps researchers and communities transform knowledge into public benefit.
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