For over 200 years, the Royal Institution has been 'diffusing science for the common purposes of life'. The Royal Institution is unique in that a whole range of activities take place all under one roof, from programmes for schools and providing a forum for the general public, through to a heritage programme, an arts-science initiative, a media centre and state-of-the-art chemistry labs.

However, all these activities are linked by one factor: an enthusiasm for science and exploring ways in which it can be maximally harnessed for the benefits of society. The Royal Institution therefore offers both a formal and informal, virtual and real, meeting place for anyone interested in science, irrespective of whether they have a scientific background or not.