In a few short years, the Ri’s digital footprint has boomed; every day we engage hundreds of thousands across the world with science. This transformation has enabled us to reach audiences on a scale that would have been unimaginable to our founders and most celebrated scientists.
We have broadened access to our programming by streaming live talks and have a highly engaged audience on the Ri YouTube channel, alongside the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ®, which are viewed around the world on YouTube and BBC iPlayer. This commitment to open access ensures content can reach curious minds beyond borders, very far from our Albemarle Street home.
In 2024, the Ri YouTube channel, with 1.6 million subscribers, generated a staggering 46 million views in 205 countries. Topics are far reaching, from generative AI and ultra-processed food to gravitational theory and black holes.
We have ambition to use technology to bring more high-quality Ri content to more audiences across the world. There is a huge opportunity to innovate and reach many more people. We know that the appetite is there. We intend to lean into the reach of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES® and our success with YouTube, and create a modern, multimedia science channel which will help to ignite a spark in science-curious audiences around the world.
Innovation is fast and information has no geographical boundaries. The opportunities and challenges we face have global implications and global interest. Global leadership in science engagement will enable the Ri to serve local audiences better, showcase UK research in a global context and connect the people doing, thinking and talking about science across borders.
A dynamic digital approach will also enable us to reach the audiences who cannot visit science museums, universities or festivals, and will give people around the world instant access to science in their homes and devices. We aim to digitise our internationally significant collection to ensure that it can, in future, be made available online for everyone to learn from and be inspired by science.
With your support, the Ri has the chance to continue the great intention and legacy of Kathleen Lonsdale, George Porter and others, connecting scientists with the public and the public with scientists, not just in London, but around the world. To expand our global programming, increase digital access and continue to share the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ® with the world, we will need to invest £3,000,000 over the next four years.