Professional bodies and learned societies

 There are many professional societies in the UK. Here are a few that are active in supporting researchers

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, the Royal Society of Chemistry is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. It provides careers advice to HE students and those advising them on job and further study opportunities. This takes the form of guidance documents, industry tours and careers conferences. They provide specific resources for researchers, including a downloadable postgraduate skills record

and support for research staff.

The Royal Society

The Royal Society, the national academy of science of the UK and the Commonwealth, is at the cutting edge of scientific progress. It supports many top young scientists, engineers and technologists, influences science policy, and debates scientific issues with the public.  It is an independent, charitable body that derives its authoritative status from its 1400 Fellows and Foreign Members.

Read the Royal Society report 'A higher degree of concern' (January 2008) on postgraduate education

Society for General Microbiology

The Society for General Microbiology provides a common meeting ground for scientists working in research and in fields with applications in microbiology, including medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, numerous industries, agriculture, food, the environment and education. The majority of members are employees of universities, research institutes, health services, government agencies and small to multinational companies.

The Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics is a scientific membership organisation devoted to increasing the understanding and application of physics. It has an extensive worldwide membership (currently over 34,000) and is a leading communicator of physics with all audiences from specialists through government to the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics.

Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering is Britain's national academy for engineering and  aims to:

• Enhance the UK's engineering capabilities
• Celebrate excellence and inspire the next generation
• lead debate by guiding informed thinking and influencing public policy.