[5] The organisation carries out research, publishes journals, books and databases, as well as hosting conferences, seminars and workshops.

It is the professional body for chemistry in the UK, with the ability to award the status of Chartered Chemist (CChem) and, through the Science Council the awards of Chartered Scientist (CSci), Registered Scientist (RSci) and Registered Science Technician (RScTech) to suitably qualified candidates.

The president is elected biennially and wears a badge in the form of a spoked wheel, with the standing figure of Joseph Priestley depicted in enamel, mainly in red and blue, on a hexagonal medallion in the centre.

Two forms exist: the full coat of arms has lion and unicorn bearers, and the Latin motto "Pro scientia et humanitate" (For the sake of knowledge and for the benefit of mankind).

Events are hosted here for the public, RSC member groups and external organisations including regular lectures on the chemical sciences.

The free lectures take an interesting look at the chemical aspects of a wide range of topics from curry to the enjoyment of music.

Over the years, the library for the RSC has received many gifts from notable fellows including Michael Faraday.

[30] A major review of the fund to modernize it took place in 2003–2004, forming a new strategy document that is updated every three years.

It underwent another review in 2014 with the aim to widen its reach to include the prevention of poverty and provide a more holistic support wider than financial assistance to Royal Society of Chemistry members and their families.

Corday–Morgan medal recipients include Derek Barton (1949), Ronald Sydney Nyholm (1950), Frederick Sanger (1951), John Cornforth (1953), Rex Richards (1954), and George Porter (1955).

The aim of its unique format is to remove the environmental and financial costs of attending a traditional scientific conference, and help researchers share their work and network across disciplines, wherever they are in the world.