Projects & Campaigns – Royal College of Science Association

22 August, 202623 August, 2026 News, Projects & Campaigns

More Heirlooms and traditions saved…..

There is a recuring theme whereby your RCS Association saves heirlooms and traditions that relate to the Royal College of Science. A little lower down this page, we’ve put together a rather impressive list. And the list isn’t even exhaustive!

Today, we announce the addition of three new items to this list – the reinstatement of three Union-Bar-centric heirlooms:

Brass coat hooks

The brass coat hooks by the side door of the bar were removed in 1989 in a misguided attempt to install a gambling machine in that space. Widespread opprobrium meant the machine was soon removed, but the hooks were never replaced and have been sorely missed ever since. Well….. being forced to dump your coats on the floor of the bar is a thing of the past. We have reinstated the coat hooks to bring back a little of pre-1990’s luxury. (But remember, there were thieves about in the 80s and there are still thieves today, so take care with any valuables).… Read more...

13 August, 202612 August, 2026 Annual Dinner, News, Projects & Campaigns

A Newish Tradition – The H.G. Wells Cup

Eighty years ago, on 13th August 1946, our founder and first president, Herbert George Wells, died peacefully at his home overlooking Regents Park. So today would seem an appropriate point to remind ourselves about the RCSA’s H.G. Wells Cup…..

Distinctive in appearance and designed to resemble an hourglass, the H.G. Wells Cup was commissioned by then president Rob Park, to commemorate the 110^th anniversary of the Royal College of Science Association. Unveiled at the ‘Eleventieth’ Annual Dinner at the House of Lords in 2018, and inaugurated with the after-dinner port, it bears the name of Herbert George Wells, famous alumnus of the RCS and founder and first president of the RCS Association.

The form of an egg-timer is well chosen. The hourglass shape has been imbued with mystical meaning since the time of the alchemists with the upper bulb representing the heavens or the future, and the lower bulb the Earth or the past.… Read more...

19 June, 202620 June, 2026 News, Projects & Campaigns

Two helpful actions

Two Easy-Peasy ways to be really helpful and become an Alumnus Hero….

1. For all of us – any type of Imperial alumnus.

Whether you graduated recently or have been an alumnus for a long time, the College wants to hear from you through their survey. Your feedback will inform the alumni experience for you and future generations. Complete the College’s survey here….. by Friday 26th June.

2. Just for physicists – alumni AND students.

Might you have suitable photographs? We have a request from the Physics dept: Might you have images of yourselves in the Physics department, working in labs or socialising in the department?

The department is gathering historical pictures of the inside of the building, lab work and its past members.

Please address any questions or any photographs to Anne Barrett, College Archivist, in the first instance and she will pass them on.

(If you approve of the support we offer to our students and to the traditions of Imperial College, why not help us do more?… Read more...

22 October, 20251 November, 2025 Around Campus, Events, News, Projects & Campaigns

President’s Autumn Message

The RCSA needs your help again!

Dear fellow RCS alumni,

[UPDATE: Dates of career panels confirmed: Physical Sciences on 20th of January, Life Sciences on 27th of January.]

I trust you all enjoyed a wonderful summer.

As we transition into another academic year at Imperial College, it’s time for the Royal College of Science Association gear up support for and engagement with the current crop of RCS students.

You will know already from our very busy Royal College of Science Association website how active the RCSA has been in recent years and it is crucial we sustain this momentum!

This time, instead of seeking donations or following up on memberships, we’re asking for a bit of your time and direct participation! We are calling for volunteers to help with two specific projects we are planning for the new academic year.

Careers evenings. Our very successful Biochemistry/Life Sciences careers panel evening back in January this year (see Careers Evening with the Royal College of Science Association) was enjoyed by both the alumni and students, proving invaluable for students navigating their career paths!

Announced: The Derek J. Toms Fund for Jezebel

Today, on his last day of office, Jack Swires, outgoing RCS Motor Club Chairman, added the finishing flourish to the Motor Club’s 70th Anniversary and announced The Derek J. Toms Fund for Jezebel or ‘The Toms Fund’ – an emergency fund, and a special-projects fund designed to support Jezebel and the RCS Motor Club.

It is structured as a new ‘restricted’ fund within the RCSA Trust, and named for Derek John Toms, the founder of the RCS Motor Club back in 1955. Members ‘of a certain vintage’ will remember that Derek was a chemist who was fully immersed in RCS and College life. He became a member of the ’22 Club in 1955 (Toms ’55), and married ‘Paddy’ (Mary Stella) Clarke, a Mathematician, who was RCSU Vice President. Stories are still told of Derek’s room in the Hostel which more closely resembled a garage than a bed/study room.… Read more...

8 October, 20247 November, 2024 News, Projects & Campaigns, RCSA Trust

Memorial Fund up and running

It’s so exciting! Donations for our Memorial Restoration Fund have begun to flow in.

The fund was announced by RCSA President Mike Munroe, who described it as “an ambitious project with a tight deadline and a challenging budget of over £9,000!” with a rallying cry of “And so we desperately need YOUR KIND DONATIONS.“

So please donate if you can, using the ‘donate buttons’ below.

We have consulted with many RCSA members including, with a lifetime of service to the military, our very supportive champion…. Wing Commander Paul Antony Kendall MStrat, MA, BSc, ARCS, OBE who sends us a few words:

“I am honoured to act as a champion for the RCS War Memorial project. Workplace memorials such as these remind us that the World Wars left their mark not just in terms of the physical and mental casualties, but also the lives of those returning or left behind, and the in the disruption caused within institutions.