The Science Council was established by Royal Charter in 2003 with the objects to advance science and its applications for public benefit. 

It is a membership organisation for learned and professional bodies across science and its applications and works with them to represent this sector to government and others. 

The Science Council promotes the profession of scientist through the Chartered Scientist designation and the development of codes of practice; it promotes awareness of the contribution of professional scientists to science and society and advances science education and increased understanding of the benefits of science. 

The Science Council provides a forum for discussion and exchange of views and works to foster collaboration between member organisations and the wider science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical communities to enable inter-disciplinary contributions to science policy and the application of science.

 

The Special Interest Groups cover scientific issues in the education, health and sustainability sectors, and operate in partnership with other organisations to identify and act upon major issues relevant to their sectors. The policy groups are composed of experts in the sector from member organisations and invited advisors from organisations with significant influence in the sector.

In October 2003 the Science Council was granted a Royal Charter, which enables it to licence appropriate professional institutions to award the designation Chartered Scientist (CSci) to individual scientists who meet the high standards for the qualification.

The Science Council acts on behalf of its member organisations to ensure consistent high standards of practice and continuing professional development (CPD) for scientists and technologists throughout their careers. One of the many advantages of the CSci designation is the requirement for CPD which is monitored through the five-year revalidation process.