What we do

As Scotland’s National Academy, we use the combined knowledge of our 1,800-strong Fellowship to tackle the most pressing issues facing society, provide independent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Our values and behaviours

  • RESPECTFUL

    I treat my colleagues courteously and fairly, which includes valuing their beliefs, contributions, and ideas.

  • ACCOUNTABLE

    I take responsibility for my decisions, actions and impacts, performance and behaviour.

  • COLLABORATIVE

    I take a consistently proactive approach towards working with others in order to reach shared goals that couldn’t be delivered on my own.

  • INNOVATIVE

    I am forward-thinking, coming up with solutions to problems, proposing ways through to the agreed outcomes.

Our strategy

Our 2023–2028 strategic plan sets out the framework for delivering the RSE’s purpose. It focuses on key societal challenges to be addressed through the contributions of Fellows and Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) members. The RSE’s diverse expertise and membership enables us to bring multidisciplinary perspectives to the critical issues of significance for Scotland, the UK, and internationally.

Our mission

The advancement of learning and useful knowledge for public good.

Our attributes and strengths

The RSE’s natural advantages include:

    • The broad Fellowship
    • Convening power
    • Research and practice
    • Increasing diversity

Societal challenges

The RSE identifies three broad challenges facing Scotland and the world. The challenges are addressed through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing the natural sciences; the economic and social sciences; the humanities; the creative arts, and the world of practice.

    • Climate change and environmental sustainability
    • Economic prosperity
    • Social cohesion

Our services and areas of work

  • Economy and enterprise

    Stimulating collaboration between business, academia, and government in Scotland, we are focused on the three E's: efficiency, environment, and equity.

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  • Education

    The RSE is in a unique position to consider education as a whole and relate it to the major social, economic, and environmental challenges, exploring…

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  • Fellowship

    The RSE’s diverse expertise and membership enable us to bring multidisciplinary perspectives to tackle key challenges.

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  • Policy advice

    Our knowledge provides independent and authoritative evidence to help shape public policy decisions and legislation.

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  • Research

    Providing funding through the RSE research awards programme, and nurturing a positive research culture in Scotland.

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  • Knowledge hub

    Stay updated on the latest knowledge and research with our resources hub designed to help you learn about the world around you.

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  • Venue hire

    We offer versatile spaces ideal for occasions dedicated to learning and coming together.

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  • What’s on

    Explore the programme of events for a variety of audiences including Fellows, researchers, policymakers, and members of the public.

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Thematic programmes

There are five main programme areas. They are not distinct from each other, but are interconnected

  • Economy and enterprise
  • Education
  • International
  • Research
  • Policy advice

Download RSE strategic plan 2023-2028 (382KB, PDF)