Royal Society of Queensland


The Royal Society of Queensland was formed in Queensland, Australia in 1884 from the Queensland Philosophical Society, Queensland's oldest scientific institution, with royal patronage granted in 1885.
The aim of the Society is "Progressing science in Queensland". "Science" is interpreted broadly and includes a wide range of learned disciplines that follow scientific method. The Society is a non-partisan, secular, learned society, not an activist lobby group and does not campaign on environmental or planning issues. The Society supports science and scientific endeavour through publication of scientific research, public seminars and other events and maintenance of a substantial scientific library.
The Society is a custodian of scientific tradition and aims to counter the ill-effects of over-specialisation in the academy and shallowness in public debate. Networking between scientists, government, business and the community is a primary activity.
Membership is open to any person interested in the progress of science in Queensland. Although the membership includes a number of eminent and widely respected scientists and public intellectuals, the Society is neither elitist nor exclusive.
The Society hosts a Research Fund, established to sponsor research projects that escape the attention of the mainstream grant programs. Donations are tax deductible under Australian taxation law.
In 2018 the Society established the Queensland Science Network as an unincorporated collaboration between more than 20 Queensland-focused community-based scientific and naturalists' organisations.
In 2019, the Society, along with co-organisers AgForce and NRM Regions Queensland, organised a two-day Dialogue to examine how to transition the broadacre pastoral country to sustainability. The Dialogue produced a consensus and a shared commitment to engage in further regional consultations and policy analysis.

Presidents