The project aims to improve understanding of the challenges learned societies experience in collecting member information, such as individuals being reluctant to share personal details. 

RSS also aims to explore statistical solutions to improve the collection of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) data, to better inform EDI initiatives. 

The society said the study would help it support other membership organisations and gain a clearer picture of its own membership diversity.

RSS chief executive Dr Sarah Cumbers said: “For initiatives around equity, diversity, and inclusion to succeed, we need the right data. We’re grateful for this funding to overcome barriers, enabling membership organisations to better understand their diversity.”