Catalysed by the Learned Society of Wales receiving its Royal charter in September 2015, the Royal Society in association with LSW held a discussion meeting intended to explore and highlight the role, relevance and public benefit that learned societies have and continue to make.

Key issues discussed included the unique role that such societies play alongside that of universities, research councils and business when informing policy capable of enhancing the social, cultural and economic value of the UK.

Senior representatives from a wide selection of UK academies and Learned societies  including British Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, Royal Irish Academy, Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal academy of Engineering  presented their views, which was followed by open discussion amongst the audience of senior figures from within a wide range of UK academies, government and learned societies representing a variety of fields.