The first synoptic history of how the Royal Society faced up to the challenges of continued relevance from 1960 onwards.

Peter Collins worked at the Royal Society from 1981 to 2013, responsible primarily for the science policy function and latterly for governance and for history of science. These roles included substantial engagement in international affairs and in often controversial public debates. As a long-term core member of senior staff, he was closely involved in development and delivery of the Society's strategy, and had a ringside seat at many key events in this period. Before joining the Society's staff, he studied chemistry at Oxford and took a Ph.D. in history of science at Leeds. In addition to many Royal Society reports, he has published on the history of the British Association and of the Royal Society, including a volume of conference proceedings on the Society in the twentieth century.

1. Presidential politics and postwar priorities; 2. Running UK science? 3. Supporting individual researchers; 4. The applications of science; 5. Defending the science base; 6. Doing science publicly; 7. Science and international politics; 8. Keeping the door open; 9. Europe: competition and collaboration; 10. Doing science globally; 11. Looking outward; Annex: running the Society; Sources; Index.