Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland's national academy of science and learning. It was created in 1783 and works as a charity that helps benefit people across Scotland. The RSE brings together experts from many areas, such as science, technology, arts, history, medicine, social science, business, and public service.

As of 2021, the Society had about 1,800 members called Fellows. Unlike some other groups, the RSE looks at many subjects, including literature and history, not just science. This makes it different from groups like the Royal Society in London. The RSE works to share knowledge and support progress in many important fields.

History

In the early 1700s, Edinburgh had many clubs and groups where people talked about ideas. One of these was the Medical Society of Edinburgh, started by a mathematician named Colin Maclaurin in 1731. Maclaurin wanted a group that talked about more than just medicine, so in 1737, a new society was created. This group changed its name a few times and, with help from teachers at the University of Edinburgh, became the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. In 1788, it began publishing its journal, called Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

During the 1800s, the society had many scientists who helped shape modern science. From the 1900s onward, it became a place for Scotland's best scientists, as well as people who studied arts and history. The society still exists today and supports new research in Scotland.

In February 2014, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell became the society's first female president, starting her role in October.

The Young Academy of Scotland

The Young Academy of Scotland was started by the RSE in 2011. It brings together young professionals, aged in their mid-20s to 40s, from all areas of Scotland. These members offer ideas and guidance for Scotland's challenges. They serve for five years, with new members chosen every two years. In 2021, there were 134 members.

Location

The Royal Society has been in several places over time:

• 1783–1807: College Library, University of Edinburgh
• 1807–1810: Physicians' Hall, George Street; the home of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• 1810–1826: 40–42 George Street; shared with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland from 1813
• 1826–1908: the Royal Institution (now called the Royal Scottish Academy Building) on the Mound; shared with the Board of Manufactures, the Institution for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts in Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
• 1908–1909: University premises at High School Yards
• 1909–present: 22–24 George Street, purchased with help from the Scottish Office

Awards and medals

The Royal Society of Edinburgh gives special awards called medals to honor great achievements in science and other fields. One important award is the Fellowship, which allows people to use the letters FRSE after their names.

Every year, the society gives out Royal Medals to people who have done excellent work in areas like life sciences, engineering, arts, or business. These medals were started in 2000. Another special award is the Lord Kelvin Medal, given each year for achievements in physical and engineering sciences. Winners must share their research with the public in a lecture in Scotland. There are also other awards like the Keith Medal and the Lady Margaret Moir Medal to honor different kinds of scientific work.

Bruce-Preller Lectures

Main article: Charles Preller § Bruce-Preller Lectures

Every two years, a special talk is given at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This tradition started in 1931 because of a request from Charles Preller. The talk is named after him and his late wife, Rachel Steuart Bruce. Usually, the talk is given by a member of either the Royal Society of Edinburgh or the Royal Society of London.

Presidents

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has had many leaders since it began. Some of the past presidents include Henry Scott, James Hall, and Walter Scott. Over the years, many important scientists and scholars have served as presidents, guiding the society’s work in science and learning.