Royal Society of Chemistry
In 1980, four distinct chemical societies merged to form a single entity under a new Royal Charter. The Chemical Society, the Royal Institute of Chemistry, the Faraday Society, and the Society for Analytical Chemistry combined their resources. This union created an organization with a dual role as both a learned society and a professional body. At its inception, the newly formed group counted 49,000 members worldwide. The merger aimed to streamline efforts in advancing the chemical sciences across the United Kingdom.
Burlington House on Piccadilly serves as the London headquarters for the Royal Society of Chemistry. The building has housed the society since 1857 when it was known simply as the Chemical Society. Thomas Graham House in Cambridge hosts RSC Publishing operations near the Science Park. International offices exist at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Additional locations operate within Beijing and Shanghai in China and Bangalore in India. These global sites support local sections covering the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Affiliate Member status applies to students or those involved in chemical science who do not meet higher requirements. AMRSC denotes Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry awarded to graduates in the field. MRSC indicates Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry granted to those with at least three years experience. FRSC represents Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry given to individuals making outstanding contributions. HonFRSC honors distinguished service in chemistry through honorary fellowship. In 1904 eighteen women chemists petitioned to become Fellows of the society.
The Dalton Division focuses on inorganic chemistry and contains six subject groups named after John Dalton. The Faraday Division handles physical chemistry and promotes the original aims of the Faraday Society with fourteen subject groups. Nine divisions cover broad areas while thirty-five local sections manage regional activities across the UK and Ireland. The Organic Division manages six subject groups dedicated to organic chemistry. The Environment, Sustainability and Energy Division oversees three subject groups focusing on ecological issues. Industry and Technology Division coordinates thirteen subject groups for professional applications.
Chemical Communications serves as one of the flagship journals published by the organization. A general chemistry magazine called Chemistry World reaches all members monthly since its first publication in January 2004. This periodical replaced Chemistry in Britain which began in 1965. RSC Gold provides an all-in subscription option for journal access alongside individual subscriptions. Education in Chemistry targets teachers while Chemistry Education Research and Practice offers a free online resource. Books include the Tutorial Chemistry Texts series edited by E. W. Abel and the Molecular World series coordinated by L. E. Smart.
The Chemists' Community Fund dates back to 1920 when it was established as a memorial to members who died in the First World War. Its initial aim helped necessitous persons who were or had been Fellows or Associates of the Institute along with their families. In 1960 the fund introduced a volunteer visitor system where members visited applicants and housebound individuals locally. A major review took place between 2003 and 2004 to modernize the strategy document updated every three years. The Benevolent Fund Grants Committee meets quarterly to oversee financial assistance and holistic support for members facing hardship.
The Harrison, Meldola Memorial Prizes recognize British chemists under 32 years of age for promising original investigations. Christopher Kelk Ingold received this award in 1921 and 1922 before Cyril Norman Hinshelwood won in 1923. Derek Barton accepted the Corday, Morgan medal in 1949 while Ronald Sydney Nyholm followed in 1950. Frederick Sanger won the same medal in 1951 and John Cornforth in 1953. Andrew Orr-Ewing received the Marlow Award in 1999 and Jonathan A. Jones in 2000. Helen Fielding was honored in 2001 for contributions to physical chemistry by the Faraday Division.
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Common questions
When did the Royal Society of Chemistry form from four distinct chemical societies?
The Royal Society of Chemistry formed in 1980 when four distinct chemical societies merged to create a single entity under a new Royal Charter. The Chemical Society, the Royal Institute of Chemistry, the Faraday Society, and the Society for Analytical Chemistry combined their resources at that time.
Where is the London headquarters of the Royal Society of Chemistry located?
Burlington House on Piccadilly serves as the London headquarters for the Royal Society of Chemistry. This building has housed the society since 1857 when it was known simply as the Chemical Society.
What are the membership grades available within the Royal Society of Chemistry?
Affiliate Member status applies to students or those involved in chemical science who do not meet higher requirements while AMRSC denotes Associate Member awarded to graduates. MRSC indicates Member granted to those with at least three years experience and FRSC represents Fellow given to individuals making outstanding contributions.
Which journals does the Royal Society of Chemistry publish for its members?
Chemical Communications serves as one of the flagship journals published by the organization while a general chemistry magazine called Chemistry World reaches all members monthly since its first publication in January 2004. RSC Gold provides an all-in subscription option for journal access alongside individual subscriptions.
When did the Chemists' Community Fund establish its volunteer visitor system?
The Chemists' Community Fund dates back to 1920 when it was established as a memorial to members who died in the First World War. In 1960 the fund introduced a volunteer visitor system where members visited applicants and housebound individuals locally.