The aim of the Society's founders in 1731 was to improve Ireland's economic condition by promoting the development of Agriculture, Arts, Science and Industry. These Foundation objectives today are undertaken by five Standing Committees: Agriculture & Rural Affairs; Science & Technology; Arts; Equestrian and Industry & Commerce. A sixth Standing Committee, Membership Affairs, has the brief to develop membership facilities and involvement. The Society's Council oversees all these activities. Below is an overview of the entire RDS Foundation Programme.
The RDS has been coordinating the selection of the Irish delegation for the London International Youth Science Forum since 1964. The Forum is an exciting annual event which brings together some 300 young students from more than 50 countries across the globe.
The RDS Science Live Demonstration Lecture series involves funding science communicators to develop high quality workshops that are aimed at those in primary and secondary school.
Founded in 1968, with a prize fund in excess of €28,000 spread over 20 categories, the RDS National Crafts Competition is one of Europe’s leading independently adjudicated craft competitions. Since 2008, the Competition has been organised in association with the Crafts Council of Ireland.
The RDS Student Art Awards boast an annual prize fund in excess of €18,400. Encompassing the Taylor Art Award which has been awarded since 1860, the Awards are the most prestigious art awards open to registered art students of all award-bearing courses in Ireland. This year's Competition will mark the 150th Anniversary of the RDS Taylor Art Award.
The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is the highlight of the summer and runs annually for five days, Wednesday to Sunday following the August bank holiday weekend.
Through the Speaker Series, the RDS hosts a diverse range of interesting and informative talks by noted speakers for Members of the Society and the general public. This continues a long established tradition of lectures at the Society reaching back over 200 years.
In celebration of Maths Week, the RDS organises an annual lecture designed to promote mathematics in schools and mathematics as a career choice.
The RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards promote standards of excellence in the production of native forests and trees. The Awards continue the historic involvement of the RDS in the development of Irish forestry which saw over 55 million trees planted in Ireland from 1766 - 1806 through the Society's land improvement and afforestation projects.
Music has been a principal focus of the RDS with a long tradition of presenting Chamber Music that dates from 1886 when the Society’s Chamber Music Recitals took place in various Dublin locations including Leinster House, to the RDS Concert Hall which opened in 1925.
The RDS Science Live for Teachers programme involves two annual workshops developed to provide teachers with an opportunity to hone their skills to help teach and demonstrate the science curriculum.
