Like its illustrious 18th century predecessor, the Society provides a lively forum for its membership to influence change through stimulating ideas, broadening debate and catalysing action.

Today’s Lunar Society includes leading practitioners from all walks of life in Birmingham and the wider region.  Those that join are prepared to help shape the scientific, political and social agenda not just here in Birmingham and the West Midlands, but nationally and internationally.

The Society actively works with other like-minded organisations to provide a dynamic programme of activities for its membership to influence change through focusing and informing debate, linking social, economic, scientific and cultural thinking, and catalysing action on issues critical to the common good.

Over the last 20 years, the Society has played a key role in influencing the development of several initiatives such as Aston Reinvestment Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Water Hall Gallery of Modern Art, Science Capital, leadership programmes for young people and on the development of the city/region’s transport and climate change strategy.

The Society engages with speakers of national and international renown including scientists, engineers, bankers, business leaders, social and policy makers, politicians, leaders of local authorities, universities and local media through its programme of events. Past speakers have included: 

• Sir John Armitt, Chairman of Network Rail,
• Sir Nicholas Goodison, Courtauld Institute of Art
• Sir Meryn King, Governor of the Bank of England
• Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize Winner
• Sir Richard Lambert
• Lord Adonis, Institute of Government
• Lord Drayson
• Jonathan Porritt, CBE