The Royal Society of Queensland was formed in Queensland, Australia in 1884 from the Queensland Philosophical Society, Queensland's oldest scientific institution, with royal patronage granted in 1885. The aim of the Society is "Progressing the natural sciences in Queensland". The Society supports scientists and scientific endeavour through advocacy, the publication of scientific research, policy analysis and opinion, hosting meetings and public lectures, and maintenance of a substantial scientific library. The Society is a non-partisan, secular, learned society, not an activist lobby group and does not campaign on environmental or planning issues.