Year in review 2018 On 1 October this year we launched a new and ambitious strategy for growth and impact. As we deliver our vision for a world where everyone is inspired to think more deeply about science and its place in our lives, over the next five years our plans will see the Royal Institution double in size in terms of staff and expenditure on charitable activities. As the Science Editor of the Financial Times put it, we are ‘beginning a new age of discovery’. Contents We are pleased to report that we are We also continued to extend our Dr Shaun Fitzgerald beginning this new chapter from a reach beyond our base at Albemarle Director 1 — Welcome strong foundation of success, both Street. Through our national network financial – reporting a surplus for of Masterclasses we ran 900 sessions 2 — CHRISTMAS LECTURES the third year in succession – and in for over 6000 students, an increase terms of outcomes for our audiences. of more than 20% on 2017. Our 6 — Family learning Throughout the year we have inspired professional science presenters even more people of all ages and performed 127 Science in Schools Sir Richard Sykes 8 — Schools backgrounds to discover, discuss shows, over 30% more than the year Chairman and critically examine science. before; we headlined at the Big Bang 14 — Public events Fair, reaching 80,000 children and We held more public events than their parents at the showpiece event 16 — Our feedback ever before, throwing open the of British Science Week; and we again doors to our wonderful theatre took the CHRISTMAS LECTURES 18 — Our heritage for fascinating explorations into abroad to Hong Kong, Singapore the way in which science shapes and Japan, increasing the number 20 — Digital the world around us. We increased of shows. By the end of the year we the scope of our popular Summer had engaged with over 150,000 24 — Our community of supporters Schools, adding exciting new new subscribers to the Ri YouTube workshops to welcome even more channel, and we anticipate reaching 28 — Venue hire young people to the Ri, to begin half a million subscribers in early 2019. their lifelong journey with science. 29 — Science abroad We simply could not have achieved Our L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre all that we have done in 2018 30 — Our finances continues to operate at capacity, without the contribution of our and our sold out Family Fun Days small team of dedicated staff, 31 — Our governance saw nearly 3000 people flock to the our Ri Members and Patrons, Ri to enjoy hands-on experiments our volunteers, and our broad together. We never tire of seeing community who give us their time, such energy and enthusiasm for their expertise and their financial science as when our building is alive support. Our thanks go to them all with children. Possibly they will be for what has been a remarkable year the ground-breaking researchers of success for the Royal Institution, of the future; certainly they will and we look forward to continuing be active citizens who have the our mission together in 2019. confidence to think critically about science and question its place in our lives.
Annual review 2018 1 CHRISTMAS LECTURES
At the Royal Institution, to be imparted and learnt, ‘Great to see the complexity we have been engaging but rather the focus is on of genetics being discussed people with science for over science as a process of and the ethical dilemmas 200 years. And nothing continuous exploration. that arise with our ever exemplifies the way in Year after year we have expanding knowledge. which we build on our made the content more Hope this has inspired heritage, to make our open-ended and relevant to the next generation activities relevant today, our everyday lives, helping of geneticists.’ better than the family young people to consider — Twitter feedback tradition that is our annual how science should be used CHRISTMAS LECTURES. for the benefit of society, ‘Two wonderful role models even as they learn and for any young person If Michael Faraday, who have fun. (especially girls) interested instigated the CHRISTMAS in science. So many good LECTURES in 1825, were And today the Lectures lessons too about diversity. to join us for filming in our are so much more than a I shed a tear at the end.’ theatre today, he wouldn’t one-off event, increasingly — Twitter feedback take long to orientate becoming the centre piece himself in familiar around which we build ‘It was a joy to watch with my surroundings. He would a year-long national family and for my children recognise the plethora of conversation about the to take on board the lessons ‘…in this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES, props and demos designed impact of science on from the Lectures.’ to inspire young minds; society. In 2018, we asked — Twitter feedback after assuming correctly that its young the passion and expertise challenging questions of the Lecturer, a fellow about privacy. In the year audience were capable of a thoughtful scientist working at the ahead we will do the cutting-edge of modern same around identity – bioethical discussion, the music swelled, research; and the eager, encouraging children in excited young faces schools across the UK it seemed the human genome was singing, of our audience. to debate and consider the issues – and we will extend and for a precious moment we were in the Yet the CHRISTMAS the 2018 CHRISTMAS LECTURES today are LECTURES topic into realm of the sublime. MARVELLOUS!’ different. No longer are our 2019 programme — Ri Member they a body of knowledge of public events.
2 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 3 1 million The 2018 CHRISTMAS LECTURES: Twitter impressions ‘Who am I?’ A national conversation during broadcast
We are 99.9% the same as the next person, yet we ‘Lloyd’s Register Foundation The impact of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES doesn’t end with are 100% unique. In the 2018 CHRISTMAS LECTURES, is proud to be a major the final broadcast. Instead the Lectures are the start of a scientist, TV presenter and author Prof Alice Roberts supporter of the year-long programme of activities to engage our audiences explored the mix of evolution, genetics and environment CHRISTMAS LECTURES from with an in-depth examination of each year’s particular topic. that makes us who we are. the Royal Institution. Our aim is to stimulate young Certainly that national And for the first time, we saw the young people’s own To cover such a broad ethical questions about people’s interest in science conversation starts on worked with the team at viewpoints change as subject and to celebrate what the future holds and engineering and broadcast nights, with ‘I’m a Scientist Get Me Out their debates progressed; the centenary in 2019 of the for our species. encourage them to study millions of people engaging of Here’ to encourage a representing perfectly the Genetics Society – one of it from an early age. We are on social media – national debate in schools. critical examination of our CHRISTMAS LECTURES During filming, we were committed to bringing skills commenting, questioning, Using a bespoke debate kit science that we were supporters – Alice was pleased to be able to and education to previously and adding their own for busy teachers to begin seeking. It was confirmation joined by geneticist, increase the number disadvantaged or under- knowledge and opinions. using without the need of what we have always Prof Aoife McLysaght, of young people in the represented groups In 2018 #xmaslectures was for preparation, we asked believed; that young people as a Special Guest Lecturer. audience from under- and inspiring the next trending on twitter for the children aged 10–14 to are more than capable represented groups, generation of scientists third year in a row, with one consider diverse viewpoints of engaging in lively Together, Alice and Aoife including through our and engineers.’ million impressions and in debating one simple discussion about science, took us on a 4 billion-year partnership with the — Dr Tim Slingsby, Director 1200 retweets of Ri content. question: ‘should our and of developing informed journey through our Foyer Foundation. of Skills and Education at Overall the number of smartphones always viewpoints on its application evolutionary past to answer Lloyd’s Register Foundation impressions on twitter was be listening?’ in our lives. the most fundamental As ever, we must extend our almost double that seen of questions: Who am I? thanks to 2018 CHRISTMAS the previous year; while It is an indicator of success LECTURES major supporter Instagram impressions that our debate kit was the From our hidden similarities Lloyd’s Register Foundation, also rose significantly. most popular ever created to a fruit fly, to the story of and to our community of by the ‘I’m a Scientist’ team. the emergence and global CHRISTMAS LECTURES In 2018 we then extended However, what matters spread of our own species, supporters, The Genetics the life and reach of the more are the outcomes. to the interplay between Society, UKRI, Schlumberger 2017 CHRISTMAS LECTURES genes and environment in and BGI. through our online Q&A Not only did the debate kit creating individual with the Lecturer, Prof get used by science teachers, differences, Alice and Aoife The 2018 CHRISTMAS Sophie Scott, and other but also by those teaching uncovered our true place in LECTURES were produced experts from academia and other subjects, involving the biological tree of life. by Windfall Films Ltd for industry; and through our pupils who don’t ordinarily And they asked challenging BBC Four. regular international tours, take an interest in science. to Singapore, Japan and And crucially, through Hong Kong. greater understanding we
4 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 5 Family learning A building buzzing with children… Support for science at home ‘The incredibly accessible and their grown-ups ‘I am delighted my boys way that all the team attended this year and we explained science – hugely can’t wait for next year’s Teachers tell us that parental encouragement of a child’s impressed by the young There’s always something interesting going on at the Ri. courses; I’ve already burgeoning interest in science has an influence on the people leading as Nowhere else are you likely to bump into someone recommended it to number of students taking up science subjects in the examples for children.’ blowing something up one moment, and showing off several friends.’ later stages of education. So our busy and varied — Family Fun Day parent a 17th century wooden globe, newly discovered in our — Summer Schools parent Family Programme provides the perfect opportunity archive, the next. It’s fun to work here, but it’s never for parents to offer support for science outside the ‘My favourite bit was that quite as much fun as when we throw open our doors school environment. the person running it to crowds of science-mad children. didn’t mind if you did From activities for adults we didn’t stop trying it your own way.’ This year, as they always Berliner. And they continued throughout the year to bring and children together, to new things to excite — Child, Family do, thousands came to to grow in popularity too, our activities to life. We must our evergreen ExpeRimental our audience. Programme attendee the annual extravaganza attracting over 2100 offer them our thanks, along videos, to workshops for of learning that are the students, and maintaining with the many charities, children to discover and Family theatre talks also Ri Summer Schools. From a year-on-year increase. university research groups explore with their peers, continued to grow in mid-July to the end of August, and organisations whose we give families exciting, popularity, with a wide children of all ages enjoyed Our sell-out Family Fun knowledge and experience stimulating and thought- range of talks on offer from innovative and interactive Days also continued help us further broaden provoking experiences to popular mathematician and sessions run by expert with the themes of ‘The the range of activities kick-start and nourish a puzzle maker Rob Eastaway 8600 speakers. Each workshop language of life’, ‘Science we can offer. people attended lifelong interest in science. to ‘Great British Bake Off’ our popular brought the real-world fiction’ and Everything finalist Andrew Smyth, who family events applications of engineering, changes’. Enjoying hands- Our Family Programme used baking to explore the maths and computer science on science together, continued to grow in 2018, principles of engineering. to life. Meanwhile, their families had the chance to with well over 8600 people grown-ups found some have their emotions read by attending 126 events And as is fast becoming a rare time to marvel at the a computer, make a rocket throughout the year. Our tradition at the Ri, the internationally significant engine with pasta and activities provided a diverse fantastic and explosive scientific collection housed even try out original range of opportunities for Andrew Szydlo returned for in our Museum, or just relax demonstrations built in families to join together a demo-filled extravaganza in our Café. the 1960s by Ri legend and explore science in a on the eve of Bonfire Night. Bill Coates! hands-on, creative and Andrew’s videos continue Our Summer Schools inspirational way. From to be some of our most continued to expand, with Our Family Programme learning how movies make popular talks on YouTube, the addition of 13 new would not be possible explosions in space look showcasing the Ri as the workshops from partners without the hard work real, to making paintings home of exciting science such as McLaren, the British and enthusiasm of our with cabbage indicator, demonstrations. Interplanetary Society and dedicated team of science-songwriter Jonny volunteers who help
6 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 7 Schools
Captivating young minds
We believe that a lifelong journey with science means igniting interest at an early age and sustaining it throughout adulthood with repeat opportunities to engage. So with science competing with literacy and numeracy in the primary curriculum, challenging financial conditions in schools, and increasing pressures on teachers’ time, our educational outreach is more important than ever before.
We offer a balanced and and added more workshops In all we created more holistic programme of to our Summer Schools. opportunities than ever activities, for children Our L’Oréal Young Scientist before to explore the of all ages, supporting Centre continued to be wonders of science and to ‘We highly value the work that you do in the curriculum inside and full to capacity, with many think more deeply about its outside the classroom. schools returning to enjoy impact, for those who will schools; inspiring the youth is a difficult From our Science in Schools hands-on science in the be the scientists, business shows designed to inspire very place that spawned 15 leaders, policymakers and thing, and no one inspires better than younger age groups Nobel Prizes, as they have citizens of tomorrow. with fun, explosive done every year since the the Ri. We might never see the results, demonstrations, to our LYSC opened in 2009. Masterclasses offering a because it takes 20 years and they’re far more in-depth exploration At the heart of our of maths, engineering and educational programme Over too remote, but I firmly believe that one computer science, we is engagement with 100 are in the business of schools in less advantaged STEM enrichment grants awarded to of your audience members is going to captivating young minds. communities, beginning schools during with our STEM grant the year grow up and cure cancer or the equivalent, In 2018 we increased awards and continuing our support for schools with free Science in Schools and an ingredient in their journey will across all programmes. shows and tickets to the We performed more Science CHRISTMAS LECTURES, have been the Ri schools programme.’ in Schools shows, took made possible by more young people through the generosity of —Teacher, Science in Schools our Masterclasses, our supporters.
8 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 9 2019 when we will welcome our 100,000th student
L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre: Awesome trip, fun experience, nice science! Masterclasses
Every year thousands of schoolchildren descend on our ‘For the forensics For nearly 40 years our national programme ‘We were proud to initiate L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre (LYSC) to enjoy scientific workshops, the level was of Masterclasses has been highlighting the beauty and and fund the launch and exploration in support of the school curriculum. ideal to challenge beyond relevance of STEM subjects to eager students, providing long-term development Feedback from students and teachers alike tells GCSE, yet keep some an in-depth exploration of mathematics, engineering of the Royal Institution us it’s a special experience. mystery and information and computer science. From Truro to Aberdeen, Computer Science for A Level study, and the the enthusiasm of our diverse network of volunteers Masterclass programme – The younger children In all we reached 4500 way you explained the opens students’ eyes to the power of these important helping to find, engage and explore the basics of students, all benefitting, work to the girls was just disciplines and we are grateful for their support. inspire the next generation cosmetic chemistry or whatever their background, right for them.’ of computer scientists. extract their own DNA, from an in-depth experience — Teacher, LYSC This year we delivered 900 And we also introduced a Five years on we continue and tell us they want to at the LYSC. Masterclass sessions for new volunteer recruitment to support the Ri as the be scientists. The older ‘This workshop made me over 6200 school students, process, including formal programme goes from children delve more And we continued to extend very interested in studying a 22% increase on last year. training for those wishing strength to strength.’ deeply into genetics and the reach of LYSC activities science in the future and We also reached a further to become a Masterclasses — Phil Brown, Chairman electromagnetism, and tell beyond the basement at it reminded me of how 2900 students through a presenter, adding 30 new and Chief Executive Officer, us it’s helped them prepare 21 Albemarle Street, and to many great things women variety of additional events, presenters to our existing Causeway Technologies for their exams. develop bespoke sessions can do.’ including celebration days, network of experts as for larger groups. Our — 11-year old YSC pupil Masterclass alumni a result. ‘We are very appreciative A visit to the Ri represents ‘Cosmetic chemistry’ meetings, and literary that you make these an opportunity to break workshop has run at ‘When I get older I am going and science festivals. In the year ahead we opportunities available free from the classroom all three Butlin’s Holiday to send my children here.’ will pilot a new series for to local children – it is and get to grips with the Camps, with an estimated — 9-year old LYSC pupil We developed eight ‘off- engineering and computer incredibly valuable scientific process through 20,000 children taking part. the-shelf’ Masterclasses science at primary level, and really does make fun, entertainment We have continued to work resource sets, available while continuing to grow a difference.’ and education. with the University of 179 to download for free from our network with a — Parent, Masterclasses Central Lancashire in events for 4500 our website. With subjects particular focus on primary students In 2018 we welcomed 144 developing LYSC activities, during 2018 including magic squares, education. A planned ‘The Masterclasses have schools during term time while cementing a similarly Möbius bands and digital collaboration with the broadened my sons’ and ran 35 holiday impactful partnership computers, they represent National Centre for Nuclear thinking as well as allowing workshops. The majority with Bayer at their Baylab a fantastic tool for Robotics will allow us to them to expand and of attendees are from state in Reading. Masterclass groups or any bring new robotics activities express themselves schools, with 59% identified teacher wanting to deliver into the Masterclasses. confidently in the beautiful as from the BAME As we celebrate the high quality, ready-made world of mathematics.’ community, while the 10th anniversary of our maths enrichment At the same time, we look — Parent, Masterclasses proportion of home-schooled partnership with L’Oréal, workshops to primary forward to welcoming our groups rose to 23%, during which time we have school pupils. 100,000th Masterclasses up from 14% in 2017. interacted with over 116,000 Student in early 2019. young people, we look forward to continuing this long-lasting legacy.
10 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 11 45,000 children reached by our shows, through 30% more shows than in 2017 Masterclasses case study: Empowering the presenters of the future Science in Schools
The increase in the number of Ri Masterclasses we have ‘The return on investment Our professional Science in Schools presenters tell us that ‘I bet you inspired at least a been able to run this year is due in no small part to an is seeing young people when they enter a school hall packed with 7–11 year olds, few kids in the audience to innovative approach we began to roll out in late 2017, genuinely engaging with, the sense of anticipation is palpable. For the children, it’s pursue a career in science.’ with sessions led by sixth-form pupils, trained by the Ri. lighting up and enjoying a a collective experience and a chance to enjoy a fun and — Pupil, Science in Schools Saturday morning of maths. explosive introduction to the power of science. It’s a The students benefit from sequences and a I’ve had the delight of being break from the normal routine; it’s not every day they ‘The children loved every the perspective of their Hooke’s Law challenge. asked such insightful, see the man or woman ‘from the Ri’ blow things up in single minute of the show presenters who are just probing questions I’ve had the school hall. and have been talking a few years older than ‘It was wonderful to see the to have my brain working non-stop about their themselves; while the older students deliver overtime to give a good This year we increased the Increasingly we are favourite parts and sixth-form pupils gain exciting and challenging enough answer.’ number of Science in Schools adapting our shows for experiments they loved! confidence and new skills, lessons for the talented — Presenter, Masterclasses shows we performed by use outside the school The parents who attended imparting their passion for primary mathematicians. 32%, engaging nearly environment. Throughout the evening show could science to those who are The sixth-form students are 45,000 children, and their the year, we returned not have wanted for a better eager to learn. At the Ri, we already planning follow-up parents, in 130 schools. to many science festivals way to engage their children benefit from knowing that activities as they enjoyed In doing so our dedicated across the country and were into science!’ we are able to reach many it so much. presenters have travelled also invited, for the first — Teacher, Science in Schools more students as a result. from Peckham to North time, to the Curious Arts ‘Our aim, and the reason 900 Yorkshire and from Liverpool Festival in Hampshire. In Director of STEM at why we were so keen to Masterclasses to Essex. And thanks to September, we delivered in 2018 for 6200 Chipping Campden School trial this approach with students support from The Shears a week-long programme and National Teaching the support of the Ri Foundation, The John S of events at the Singapore and Learning Lead at Masterclasses team, Cohen Foundation and Science Festival, supported The Ogden Trust, Jackie is to help students to deeply Essex County Council we’ve by Lloyd’s Register Flaherty, explains why explore a range of ideas been able to reach 25 Foundation, and made using this innovative and applications in a given schools in disadvantaged possible thanks to a long- approach, first trialled scientific discipline and communities, giving their standing relationship at her school, was such to inspire them to continue children the opportunity to developed through taking a runaway success: their engagement in experience our particular the CHRISTMAS LECTURES these areas. brand of explosive science on tour every year. ‘Our Masterclass series ran for free. In 2019 we are weekly with primary pupils ‘Feedback from the primary planning to increase Through Science in Schools from seven local schools pupils and their parents this number threefold, our impact in the UK, attending sessions run has been 100 per cent delivering 77 free Science and our international by Year 12 student positive, and we have in Schools shows. reputation, continue ambassadors studying already extended the to grow. maths and physics. The scheme to include four topics covered included other secondary schools Pythagoras, Fibonacci in our area!’
12 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 13 Public events
Sustaining a lifelong journey with science 2018 Events ‘This was a brilliant example that the Ri is a brilliant and safe place to venture into Our theatre has always been the place where the latest Throughout 2018 we welcomed audiences to 99 adult topics no one else dares to!’ research and scientific advances have been shared with events at the Royal Institution, a 10% increase on the — Public event attendee the world. The first electric motor, discovery of the year before, and more than at any time since we closed electron, photography, the principles of climate change, for refurbishment a decade ago. ‘The quantum computing to name but a few; all have been revealed for the first lecture respected the time, to an audience at the Ri. Our nine Discourses – Partnerships were a strong intelligence of the audience part of the longest running theme again, including and stretched us a bit. It Today, evening by evening Our audience is increasingly Ask an attendee at our series of scientific lectures those with like-minded was good to be reminded and talk by talk, we are diverse as we continue to ‘Valentine’s Day vaginas’ in the world – were given by organisations such as that scientists are very building on that tradition. broaden the spectrum of talk in February, if they world-leading thinkers such analytics firm QuantumBlack, aware of the social impact science-related topics we had ever been to a science as the discoverer of Ebola, with whom we continued of their work.’ This year, the 2018 Brain cover. Some come to the lecture before and they’d Peter Piot, TV mathematics the series of events under — Public event attendee Prize winners unveiled their Ri for hard science, others probably say no. Feedback star Hannah Fry and Ri the ‘Operating at the subsequent research that for culture, and still more tells us the answer would Director Shaun Fitzgerald. boundaries’ banner. And we could slow the onset of for new experiences. Some be very different, if the At other public events, again hosted the Genetics Alzheimer’s Disease, Ijeoma work in science, most have question were to be Jeremy Baumberg and Society’s prestigious Uchegbu unveiled the an interest in science, but ‘will you come again?’ Katrina van Grouw asked Haldane Lecture, given by findings that could provide for many neither applies. us challenging questions Turi King, who provided the a solution to the opioid about the impact of genetic evidence that the crisis, and Adrian Thomas What they do have in globalism on science and bones found in a Leicester demonstrated his world- common is a desire for the ethics of ‘unnatural car park were indeed those leading development of a knowledge, mental selection’ respectively. of Richard III. new generation of drones. stimulation, enjoyment and a cultural night out We continued to innovate, In the year ahead, we look So every time a speaker with a difference. When hosting our first ever forward to bringing more walks into our packed asked, the near unanimous ‘Murder MysteRi’ event, of the brightest and best theatre, our audience verdict from attendees at where attendees turned speakers to share their work knows that they just might our public events is that detective to solve a fictional with the world, at the Ri. We be about to see the new they have enjoyed the crime committed in 1839. look forward to more themed advance that will shape our evening and learned We also celebrated 10 years series, providing exploration future world, just as those something new. That of our science book club at a greater depth, and to who listened two centuries enjoyment and learning ‘Fiction Lab’, and launched continuing to ask the ago to Faraday, or latterly is just one of the ways in a host of popular science societal impact questions to Curie or to Marconi. which we are sustaining an books, including the latest to which we should all individual’s lifelong journey by Italian physics superstar be seeking answers. with science. Carlo Rovelli, on the physics and philosophy of time.
14 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 15 ‘I love this trip, best trip ever! ‘The children were ‘I can’t tell you how much This was made for me, treated like they were difference it makes to I love science.’ intelligent beings who aspiration levels when pupils — LYSC Pupil had a lot to offer and who can see their communities could teach us adults a represented. As I am always Our feedback thing or two too.’ saying: ‘If you can’t see it — Parent, Masterclasses you can’t be it.’ Our activities are fun, engaging, thought-provoking — Teacher and often explosive. Yet it is the impact they have on people’s lives that matters most. Our feedback ‘Students have still been tells us we’re making a difference. stopping me today and telling me what a fantastic time they ‘I took my teenage daughter had and that they didn’t to the ‘Future pharma’ talk realise how science could last night and was so be so amazing.’ pleasantly surprised to see — Teacher, Science in Schools four of the five panellists were women. It was inspiring to be able to show her what women in the STEM fields can do.’ ‘I want you to see what a — Public event attendee difference you are making. Until my son had seen you his grades were less than efforts. Once seeing you, he lit a torch in his mind.’ — Public event attendee ‘I explained to her how many amazing lectures and presentations had been given in your theatre and said, ‘One day you could be standing here and telling us all about ‘On arrival at a school your discovery’ and she said ‘Yes Grandad Masterclass yesterday, one that would be wonderful.’ I think those few 10-year old bounces up to his words truly state what amazing work the Ri friend and says ‘I’ve been does at all levels to promote science.’ awake since 4.30 this morning, — Grandparent waiting for this to start!’ — Organiser, Masterclasses ‘Thanks for running these events, they are really excellent, and my children always come away from them really excited about being scientists!’ ‘Years of attending — Parent, Family Fun Day lectures at the Ri has inspired me to go back and study.’ — Ri Member
16 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 17 Heritage
A foundation for the future ‘The Ri’s collection Sharing our collection with the world is out of this world.’ — Museum visitor Building on our rich heritage at the Royal Institution, Spread throughout the three publicly accessible floors using it to bring to life the development and modern-day ‘Such an excellent evening of the Ri building, our nationally accredited Faraday application of scientific research and communication, at the Ri, and for the chance Museum is open to everyone, for free. The fantastic is central to our mission. to visit the archive in the cultural resource it houses, supplemented by our wider afternoon. The archive archive, is used to share both fascinating artefacts Through our museum and conservation, including was fascinating.’ of history and insights into the relationship between our archive we are guardians the original transatlantic — Ri Trustee guest science and the public. It is important that our heritage, of an internationally telegraph message tape and our expertise, is shared with the world. significant collection from 1858 and a rare of scientific apparatus, Selenograph by John In 2018 we welcomed over Many of our artefacts And in September we archives, books, artefacts Russell from 1798. 70,000 visitors, hosted reached a wider audience contributed to the Science and images. Uniquely, over 70 archive visits and through loans to other Museum’s major exhibition, all are associated with We are seeking further provided hundreds of museums and institutions; ‘The Sun: Living with our the eminent natural support for this important people with detailed tours the only time, save for star’, through the loan of an philosophers and scientists conservation work in the highlighting our history archival storage and original glass plate negative who researched, lectured year ahead. and heritage. conservation, that they depicting the first ever and lived in the Ri building. leave our building, the photographic image of an Our past represents a Thanks to the Philip Freer Our Heritage and Collections place where they were eclipse of the Sun taken by foundation for our Trust we receive funding team provided expert advice discovered or created. Warren De La Rue in 1860. exciting future. to support PhD students, to a number of film, radio We were delighted that this and in 2018 two students and scientific organisations Faraday’s notebook of the loan not only brought As such it is important that successfully completed that highlighted elements lectures by Humphry Davy elements of our collection we not only care for our their theses on various of the Ri’s history and that he attended was loaned to a new, larger audience, collection, but also continue aspects of the Royal collections, ranging from to St Catherine’s College, but also reunited De La to undertake research into Institution’s history. a number of items from Cambridge; while we also Rue’s original images with our history and impact. Dr Rupert Cole examined the Bragg collections to worked with the Dickens his photographic equipment the role of the Two Cultures batteries from Faraday’s Museum on their four-month for the first time in well over The assessment of the debate in structuring the collection. Also during the exhibition on ‘Charles a century. conditions of the archival development of the Royal year we filmed a BBC Four Dickens: Man of Science’, collections, funded by the Institution from the 1940s documentary on ‘Magnets lending a facsimile of Charles Hayward Trust, to the 1980s, while Dr and magnetism’ with Hannah Faraday’s, ‘Chemical history has continued throughout Harriet Lloyd demonstrated Fry and a programme of a candle,’ Christmas the year. Our conservator, the key role that women on electrical innovation Lecture notes and a Faraday Zofia Wyszomirska-Noga, played at the Royal that was subsequently candle stick. has assessed a number Institution during its released in a number of significant aspects of the first decade. of theatres nationwide. collection for further
18 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 19 0.5 million YouTube subscribers 48 million video views in total Digital
Digital engagement: International YouTube reach: YouTube Our subscribers’ feedback: (Top 10 countries) Taking our content to our audiences ‘It is good to know that Country Views % The popularity of the Ri YouTube channel was a standout there are some YouTube If we are to be successful in our mission to create USA 5,641,213 33% success in 2018. Our most popular video – Harry Cliff’s channels that you opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and UK 1,870,871 11% ‘Beyond the Higgs: What next for the LHC?’ – was viewed can trust.’ critically examine science, we recognise that we cannot Canada 872,160 5.2% nearly 1 million times, while a further four videos received rely on the activities we run in the Ri building alone. India 838,082 5% half a million views or more. In all, our videos were viewed ‘My daughter is home Australia 616,028 3.7% 17 million times, taking total views since we first launched schooled and will be Our digital platforms give Our animator-in-residence Germany 511,659 3% the channel to 48 million, with a total watch time of nearly watching this, there aren’t us the power to take our has been preparing a new Russia 385,685 2.3% 600 million hours. enough women in science brand of stimulating and animation for release in Netherlands 316,422 1.9% and this simple explanation engaging content to early 2019. And in May Sweden 250,384 1.5% Our passionate YouTube more effective in developing of a complex subject is wherever our audiences we launched our Patreon Brazil 208,384 1.5% community continued to a lifelong journey with something we need far are. At the swipe of a channel, a platform grow exponentially. In 2017 science than a one-off more of.’ smartphone screen anyone designed for creators we welcomed 80,000 event, however inspirational. can engage with science to build communities and subscribers to our channel; So it is pleasing that on ‘Just about to apply to a through the Ri, anywhere generate crowdsourced in 2018 a further 150,000 average a subscriber to the master’s programme in the world. Crucially, revenue, helping to increase joined us for the first time. Ri YouTube channel will in population ecology, they can do so whenever people’s awareness of, We anticipate hitting half a have viewed Ri content 100 focusing on endangered it suits them best. and participation in, million subscribers in early times. The feedback we species. This video really the work of the Ri. 2019, further strengthening receive continues to point inspired me to find the We have thought carefully our position as the largest to a depth of exploration, inner spark again, writing about the sort of content In October, as one of our YouTube channel of any inspirational content, and the best possible each of our audiences activities to mark Black UK museum or science trusted voices as the key application letter wants, and as we continue History Month, a ‘takeover’ organisation that we ingredients in our success. I could write.’ to put digital activity at the of the Ri twitter feed by know of. heart of our engagement, scientist and advocate We have received we are reaching more Alex Lathbridge (AKA @ Yet while it was a record- encouraging feedback people than ever before. Thermoflynamics) was breaking-year, the statistics and support from YouTube Many of them could never, described by one of our alone are not a satisfactory itself and in 2019 we look or maybe would never, peer organisations as indicator of success. forward to further visit our historic home ‘a thing of beauty’. We plan What counts is the level developing our innovative in Mayfair. to run more events like this engagement and the quality and much-loved channel. to increase the diversity of of experience our digital In 2018 our small digital voices from our own social community enjoys. We know team released 133 videos, media, providing a platform that repeat engagement is including Ri talks, for scientists to engage CHRISTMAS LECTURES with the public. archive videos and short films produced in-house. 20 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 21 CHRISTMAS LECTURES archive Case study: Content tailored for our audiences
The archive of televised CHRISTMAS LECTURES has ‘The CHRISTMAS LECTURES Meeting the needs of our audiences is central to our success been described by Sir David Attenborough and other past have an iconic place at the at the Ri; Head of Digital, Cassie Williams, explains the work Christmas Lecturers as ‘national treasures from a golden heart of public engagement we have done to tailor our digital content: age of broadcasting.’ They were the first science programme with science in the UK, so broadcast on UK national television, in 1936, and have been it’s wonderful that these ‘Last year we released our ‘Once we had identified ‘We still need to do more broadcast every year since 1966. rich sources of inspiration five-year strategy which these groups, our next to engage Followers, and and wonder will be included the outcomes challenge was to discover we’re now experimenting Until this year only around And to complete the available again for new of a detailed audience whether we already produce with short, playful video half of the CHRISTMAS collection, in November generations.’ segmentation, identifying digital content they may want formats ideal for social LECTURES recorded by the we launched a national — Ian Blatchford, Director of four core audience groups to consume. Armed with media sharing. We’re also BBC had been available campaign to locate 31 the Science Museum Group which are key for us to fulfil tea, biscuits and lots of redoubling our efforts on for repeat viewing, but episodes that are missing our charitable mission. post-it notes, we set to work Instagram, to help reach following a release plan from the BBC archive, layering our new audience Connectors and Followers. drawn up with the BBC, including rare footage of ‘Two of these groups are plan onto our current digital And finally we’re working in May we began to make Sir David Attenborough that engaged with science and output as we mapped our hard behind the scenes to them available on the hasn’t been seen since it already form a core part of activities against these be in a position to release Ri website, for new was first broadcast live our audience: Pioneers – four key audience groups. weekly Ri talks on our generations to enjoy. nearly 50 years ago. science enthusiasts, and YouTube channel in 2019.’ Connectors – omnivorous ‘What we found was that In 2018 we uploaded The feedback we have cultural enthusiasts. The two we’re mostly already on the 8 complete series; a total received from those who other groups are much right track. For our Pioneers, of 45 episodes. Over the next are watching these ‘national less likely to interact with we release our hour-long 12 months we will add treasures’ – some for a us physically, but are Ri talks on YouTube. For a further 12 series, nostalgic repeat viewing, nonetheless key to our Connectors, we have representing the entire many for the first time – our success: Seekers – animations exploring the available back catalogue of testifies to their enduring interested in science and intersection of science, BBC recordings. The series appeal. By making past active online; and Followers culture and philosophy, range from 1968 to 1999 and episodes available online – – less likely to engage with while our shorter YouTube include highlights such as a first step in our plans to science, but enthusiastic videos are aimed at ‘Gullivers law’ by Phillip digitise our heritage and about pure science. our Seekers. Morrison, ‘The natural create a permanent digital history of a sunbeam’ by legacy – it is possible to use Sir George Porter and the past to help inspire the ‘The magical maze’ by scientists of the future. Ian Stewart.
22 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 23 Our community of supporters
Our members: The treasure of Ri Membership Ri Patrons: A deeper connection with science
For over 200 years, Royal Institution members have sat at Our growing community of Patrons enjoy a deeper the heart of our work to engage people with science. connection with science, and the Ri. Their support helps us to extend our reach, taking opportunities to engage with Ri Membership is open In return members enjoy free In 2019 we will be conducting our activities to more and more people every year. to people of all ages and and discounted tickets for our bi-annual members’ backgrounds and today, our events, priority booking, survey, giving our members In 2018, we launched our Chris Lowe, a Ri Patron ‘Like so many before him, our community is growing. exclusive access to the greater opportunity to help new Director’s Circle of since 2016, told us what both boys and girls, who When someone joins as an CHRISTMAS LECTURES us create and structure a patronage, while delivering patronage means to him: have been motivated by Ri Member, they tend to ticket ballot, and special programme that is tailor- the first full year of our new Ri lectures in the past, stay with us; our youngest offers from like-minded made to meet their needs. ‘Ri Patrons present…’ ‘As a member or Patron of he may become a scientist member is just three years organisations including the We look forward to event series. In doing so, the Royal Institution, you in the future. Hearing that old, our oldest is 97. Science Museum and the BFI. welcoming all of our we opened our Patron get to see and hear some short conversation is a members – young, old, new programme to a general of the world’s leading joy that you simply cannot The enthusiasm and Throughout 2018, we ran and returning – to continue audience, while giving our scientists talk in-depth buy, although as a commitment of our more exciting events for our their lifelong journey with Patrons special access about their branch of patron you can make community of like-minded members. In June we hosted science at the Ri. to high-profile thinkers, science. As a Patron you a contribution.’ people play a significant role our second interactive such as Chief Scientist also get to meet those in achieving our vision for ExpeRience event, with our Our members’ feedback: of Scotland, Sheila Rowan, scientists, which is an a world where everyone is members and their guests and author and broadcaster, enormous privilege. inspired to think more deeply enjoying hands-on astronaut ‘Anyone who is interested Evan Davis. We are grateful about science and its place training, experiencing in science and science to them all for their ‘At the other end of the in our lives. The financial g-force and taking part in a issues should join for the continued in-depth spectrum, one of the contribution from our simulation of Tim Peake’s opportunity to indulge!’ involvement in our work. glorious things about members helps us to deliver Soyuz docking station attending lectures, events our activities for young courtesy of the British ‘There is something special and Discourses at the Royal people in the UK and beyond, Interplanetary Society. about the Ri.’ Institution is that you are while their judgement is sometimes privileged to called upon when electing And building on the ‘I think the Royal Institution hear a child speak of their Trustees or voting on matters popularity of last year’s is an amazing resource for experience. Following the that are fundamental to the closer look at the Ri’s anyone deeply interested first of the 2018 CHRISTMAS structure and operation heritage, in March we ran in the sciences. It caters for LECTURES, I heard a of the Ri. a second workshop for all ages and is welcoming mother ask her son if he Ri Members, helping them and easily accessible.’ enjoyed the lecture and to preserve their most what would he score it on treasured family a scale of 1 to 10. The child documents, under the of approximately 12 years of expert guidance of our age responded immediately Heritage team. with an excited ‘11!’ 24 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 25 Trusts and foundations, and corporate supporters Thank you
Just like Ri Members and Patrons, our supporters hail ‘There is a great need in this We must extend a huge thank you to all those who support the Royal from a variety of backgrounds, representing the diversity country to inspire more Institution, in so many ways; our Trustees, Patrons, members, donors, of our audiences. Some are individuals, others are long- budding mathematicians corporate supporters, volunteers and visitors. As an independent charity established charitable trusts, and still more are major and scientists. We are proud we rely on your support to encourage people of all ages to begin their corporate organisations aligned with our aims. to be associated with the lifelong journey with science. Ri who do so much to enthuse What they have in common Examples of the support we children from all backgrounds We look forward to continuing our important mission with you in 2019. is that they all recognise our received include a donation in this regard.’ work to inspire everyone from the L G Harris Trust, — Alan Smith, Chair of the Major supporters Ri Patrons Worshipful Company of Causeway Technologies through science, as an which will enable an extra Lloyd’s Register Foundation Director’s Circle objective worth investing 40 schools in deprived Actuaries Charitable Trust L’Oréal UK & Ireland Luca and Leila Bassi The Clothworkers’ Foundation Michael Fasosin in, both financially and areas across the UK to Ron and Helen Freeman in kind. receive a grant towards Trusts and foundations Simon Godwin Company of Actuaries Charitable Trust Bernard and Sarah Taylor exciting and innovative John S Cohen Foundation We are grateful to them maths teaching activities; The Doris Pacey & Dr Michael and Anna Brynberg Faraday Circle Charitable Foundations Cristóbal Conde all for their continued and the Reece Foundation ERA Foundation The Faraday Foundation generosity and advocacy. continued their support LG Harris Trust Fiona Forbes and Jonathan Hiscock Charles Hayward Foundation Hugh Harper Without their support we of our engineering AG Manly Charitable Trust Sir Desmond Pitcher simply could not undertake Masterclasses in the North Brian Mitchell Charitable Settlement Hank Roberts GM Morrison Charitable Trust such a wide range of East with a new three-year Reece Foundation Diffusion Circle activities, for so many commitment of funding. Sfumato Foundation Matthew Gill Shears Foundation Duncan McInnes people from so many DS Smith Charitable Foundation Damon de Laszlo walks of life. EY was again the Sonardyne Foundation Renato Lulia-Jacob Dame Theresa Sackler principal supporter of Corporate supporters Nicholas and Tobe Aleksander In 2018, we were delighted our unconference for young 6point6 Technology Services AWE plc Magnetic Circle to continue our significant people, which was also Bayer Bernie Bulkin partnerships with Lloyd’s supported by the Ri’s BGI John Collins Ernst & Young LLP Stephen Corben Register Foundation, major supporter of the Newtecnic James Cottam L’Oréal UK and Ireland, the CHRISTMAS LECTURES, QuantumBlack Paul Drake Schlumberger Karen Hodson Clothworkers’ Foundation Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Jerry Horwood and The Causeway Other partnerships Graham Kennedy British Psychological Society Richard Pinch Foundation, all helping We look forward to working The Faraday Institution Gautum Mitra to deliver our ambitious with all our supporters in Genetics Society Jaleh Namazi Science and Technology Facilities Council Ian Laming five-year strategy. the year ahead, as we UK Research and Innovation Chris Lowe continue to take our rich Martin Pidd Geoff Potter programme of science to Ralph Rayner as wide and diverse an Elizabeth Renton Gurjit Samra audience as possible. Sir Richard Sykes
All our Electric Circle patrons and those who wish to remain anonymous. 26 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 27 95% of our clients Science say they would use our venue Venue hire again abroad
A unique and inspirational venue in the heart of Mayfair, ‘Thank you so much for all Throughout 2018, we continued our programme the Georgian splendour of rooms at the Ri is available for of your hard work making of international collaboration, taking Ri content exclusive events for 40 to 400 people. Those who enjoy our event last week such a around the world. our historic building are part of our community of great success. The guests supporters, with their financial contribution helping to enjoyed themselves In August and September Our members hail from all And our Director of Science fund our charitable outreach. immensely and I had one we took the 2017 over the world, including and Education, Prof Gail very happy Chairman – so CHRISTMAS LECTURES Qatar, Canada, Indonesia Cardew, heavily involved Increasingly we are across the UK and the for me a complete success.’ on tour – to Singapore and Switzerland, and we in the EuroScience Open welcoming organisations Republic of Ireland. The — Becky Smith, and Japan – for a mix of continued to welcome Forum, the largest that are aligned with our Centre for Entrepreneurs Medical Research Council broadcasts on national international schools to interdisciplinary science aims; the Institute of explored how Britain, television networks our L’Orèal Young Scientist meeting in Europe since its Physics, the East London Europe and the world can ‘We had such an amazing combined with live stage Centre, with 6% of all schools inception nearly a decade Science School, the Charity create the next generation day yesterday and it was shows. For the first time, attending having travelled ago, was appointed as Vice Commission and the of entrepreneurs, while we another brilliant RideLondon we added Hong Kong from such far away places President of the Forum’s Medical Research Council were pleased to host the event for us at the Ri. Our to the international tour, as Australia and Japan. We founding body, EuroScience. to name but a few. Many British Science riders had an amazing time performing four shows also continued to partner of them return to hold their Association’s annual Huxley and we had so many at the Kellett School, the with international In the year ahead we will events at the Ri year after Summit for the second year comments about how lovely British International School embassies here in the UK, build on our existing year. As we seek to expand in a row, linking science, the venue was so thank you in Hong Kong. Of the 150,000 to run public talks in our international networks, the use of space at the business and policymakers. for having us back again!’ subscribers we added to theatre and exclusive reaching out beyond our Royal Institution, it is fitting — Megan Gullam, our YouTube channel, over events in their embassies, historic home in London, that so many of our venue Post-event feedback tells Anthony Nolan 80% live outside the UK. while our conservator’s to make Ri expertise and hire clients share our ethos us that all who used the Ri work was highlighted at the content truly global. of public engagement enjoyed exemplary service, ‘Just to say thank you for International Conservator’s with science. fine cuisine and state-of- helping us put on such an Conference held in the the-art audio-visual support. inspiring IoP outreach event Warsaw Rising Museum. In 2018 we hosted 315 And the experience is at the Ri on Tuesday. It went events, welcoming over wrapped by our heritage; really well and was enjoyed 33,000 visitors. Certsure nowhere else in the world by all. Look forward to hosted a unique technical could you present your working with you all again conference on the 18th latest technology or in the future!’ Edition of IET wiring scientific findings in the — Dr Mark Telling, regulations from our theatre same theatre as Faraday Institute of Physics and streamed the event live unveiled the electric via satellite to 6000 generator, or Marconi professional electricians demonstrated his in over 40 cinema screens wireless technology.
28 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 29 Our finances Our governance
For the third year in a row, we are pleased to report that The Royal Institution was founded in 1799 and received its Royal Charter the Ri posted a surplus in the 2017–18 financial year. £0.8m on 13 January 1800. It is an independent Royal Charter Charity and is In doing so we have maintained our strengthened £2.2m governed by its Byelaws and governing documents. financial position, while the appointment of a Director of Development, in December 2018, will enhance our The Trustees number 11 in total, nine Royal Patron Ri Leadership Team £1m HRH The Prince of Wales Dr Shaun Fitzgerald fundraising capabilities. elected by the membership of the Ri and Director two appointed by the Board. The Trustees President Prof Gail Cardew Director of Science and Education In 2017–2018 we generated £2.2m of trading income, £0.2m ensure the Ri carries out its charitable HRH The Duke of Kent £1.2m in voluntary income through membership purposes for public benefit and complies Katie Cotton Director of Development and events, and £0.8m in voluntary income through with its governing documents. Trustees Honorary Vice President (appointed December 2018) fundraising. We have achieved a surplus of £0.1m How we fund our work have overall responsibility for managing Sir John Ritblat Michael de Crespigny on unrestricted funds compared to a £0.28m surplus Total income 2017–18: £4.2m the business of the Institution; setting Director of Finance and in 2016–2017 and £0.12m the year before that. strategic direction and objectives; Trustees Chief Operating Officer Fundraising Sir Richard Sykes Robert Davies Event income safeguarding the Institution’s assets; Chair Head of Communications Our cash reserves remain robust with £1.14m Membership overseeing all significant capital Dr Fergus Boyd Prof Frank James Head of Heritage and Collections as at 31 December 2018. Trading expenditure and maintaining relevant Dr Sophie Forgan policies. The Board meets a minimum (elected April 2018) Full audited accounts are available to download of four times a year and is supported by Simon Godwin from the Ri and Charity Commission websites. the Audit Committee, Finance Committee Prof Yike Guo (co-opted June 2018) £0.95m and Nominations Committee. Hugh Harper £2.5m (retired April 2018) Lord Julian Hunt £0.4m John Krumins £0.44m Sarika Patel Geoff Potter £0.29m (retired April 2018; appointed April 2018) Louise Terry Deputy Chair How we spend our money Prof Chris Toumazou Total expenditure 2017–18: £4.6m (retired May 2018) Education programme Lord Robert Winston (retired April 2018) CHRISTMAS LECTURES Prof Alison Woollard Heritage (elected April 2018) Public events Trading
30 The Royal Institution Annual review 2018 31 ‘The opportunity to discover and learn over three generations. This was quite unique and I can’t think of another trip we have made with my children and grandchildren that has afforded this opportunity.’ — Family Programme attendee
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