Existing members FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Ri Membership.

How does gift membership work?

Gift membership is a great way to support the Ri and provide a loved one or friend with a unique gift celebrating their interest in science and the world around us. You can purchase membership for someone else online. When purchasing, you will be able to choose whether you want the gift to be sent to you or the recipient, as well as the start date of the membership. You will also receive an email with a gift certificate immediately after purchase.

Please note that the welcome pack may take up to 15 working days to arrive when sending to either the purchaser or the recipient.

I have forgotten my membership number, what do I do?

If you can’t find your membership number, please email the Ri Membership team at membership@ri.ac.uk for a reminder.

Can I attend events without my membership card?

If you would like to book tickets for or attend an event and you don’t have your membership card, don’t worry! You just need to show proof of your membership number and our staff will then be able to validate your membership status when you arrive on the night. Your membership number is included in all of our communication to you.

Can I enter the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ticket ballot?

Members at all levels are eligible to enter the ballot for the coveted CHRISTMAS LECTURES tickets. Please note that the ballot for this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES tickets has now closed.

I have lost my membership card, what do I do?

Please contact the Ri Membership team at membership@ri.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 7491 6588 to arrange for a replacement card which will reach you in 15 working days.

Where can I find the terms and conditions?

Read the Ri Membership terms and conditions here.

Can someone attend an event using my membership card?

Ri Membership at all levels is non-transferable. Only the member named on the membership card will be able to receive the benefits of membership upon presentation of the card.

Please ensure you bring proof of your membership with you when attending events.

What does the Ri Membership scheme look like?

Ri Membership offers options for people of all ages and backgrounds with an interest in science to join the Ri. In addition to our membership options we are pleased to introduce a new Ri Patrons programme which offers a range of exclusive benefits as well as closer insight into our world-class education and heritage programmes.

Ri Membership at all levels lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase or the date specified when purchasing a Gift Membership for someone else.

Ri Member - £77
Ri Membership is open to all; a concessionary rate of £40 is available for anyone aged between 18 and 26. Membership benefits include:

  • FREE tickets for our Discourses
  • Invitations to pre-Discourse drinks receptions
  • 50% discount on tickets for Ri talks*
  • Exclusive access to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ticket ballot
  • 10% discount in the Ri Café and on Ri venue hire**
  • What’s On guide delivered straight to your door three times a year
  • Voting rights and use of MRi as post-nominal letters

* Excluding CHRISTMAS LECTURES and special events
** Discount on Ri venue hire is applicable on bookings for personal use only

Ri Young Member – £30
Ri Young Membership is open to everyone aged 17 or under. Membership benefits include:

  • FREE tickets to Ri Family Fun Days
  • 50% discount on tickets for Ri talks*
  • Exclusive access to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ticket ballot**
  • Discounts on selected education workshops
  • Bespoke emails packed with experiments to try at home
  • Opportunity to write for the Young Voices blog on the Ri website
  • 10% discount in the Ri Café
  • What’s On guide delivered straight to your door three times a year

* Excluding CHRISTMAS LECTURES and special events
** Discount on Ri venue hire is applicable on bookings for personal use only

I am interested in joining as an Ri Patron. What are the next steps?

The Ri Patrons scheme provides a unique opportunity to support the Ri and our charitable activities. You can become an Ri Patron from £350 per year and receive a range of benefits such as exclusive access to an annual series of 10 engaging Ri Patrons events with speakers from a diverse range of areas. Ri Patrons will also be given the opportunity to attend the annual Faraday Dinner hosted by the Trustees of the Ri. As a charity we can claim Gift Aid on our Ri Patron subscriptions as they are spilt into a benefit and donation portion meaning we are able and to claim 25p on top of every £1 given to us as a donation.

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to become an Ri Patron and you can join by contacting Catriona Sinclair, Individual Giving Manager at development@ri.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 7670 2950 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm.

Can the Ri claim Gift Aid on my membership?

We are unable to claim Gift Aid on subscriptions for Ri Membership and Ri Young Membership due to the high value of benefits provided.

You may make a philanthropic donation in addition to your membership subscription to which Gift Aid provisions apply, as a charity we are able to claim 25p on top of every £1 made as a donation to us. Similarly these provisions apply to the donation portion of Ri Patron subscriptions.

How do I renew?

We send you a renewal notice by email 28 days in advance of your renewal date, please follow the instructions within to pay online. We will send you further reminders closer to your renewal date. Alternatively please contact the Ri Membership team on 020 7491 6588 or at membership@ri.ac.uk.

When will direct debit subscription payments be taken?

We will notify you of the upcoming Direct Debit collection at least four weeks in advance of your renewal date. In this communication we will inform you of the amount to be collected on the first working day of the following month.

If you would like to make any amendments to your Direct Debit arrangement, please contact the Ri Membership team at membership@ri.ac.uk or by calling +44(0) 207 491 6588 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm.

Can I bring a guest with me to Ri events?

You are welcome to bring along a guest. If your guest is not an Ri Member they will need to purchase a standard ticket and concessions are available.

Building closures from 9 December onwards

We are closed on the 10 and 12 December, along with other closures during the week starting 9 December, full details here.