Royal Society

The foundation meeting of the Royal Society was held on 28 November 1660 and so this year is the 350th aniversary of the society.  Earlier that year, on 16 April 1660, Sir Hans Sloane was born in Killyleagh in county Down.  He was one of Ulster's great scientists and an Ulster-Scot. 

Sloane served as president of the Royal Society from 1727 to 1841, succeeding Sir Isaac Newton, who had served from 1703 to 1727, and other notable figures such as Sir Christopher Wren.  This is certainly an appropriate year to commemorate Sir Hans Sloane and highlight his contributions to science and learning.