The object of the Society as stated in the rules is "The advancement of Knowledge.” This object is achieved by programmes of lectures, panel discussions, symposia and excursions, by publications and by the use of the library of the Society.
The Society makes a number of awards to eminent scholars.
Members come from many walks of life and have a variety of interests. The Society is a "generalist" association of members who value the opportunity provided to meet, hear and talk to specialists beyond their own field of interest.
In its early years, the Society established the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. It also began building up substantial collections of both art and natural history specimens, all housed in The Royal Society of Tasmania Museum. These collections became the basis of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
The Society is as relevant today as when it was formed, in the 1840s. For 150 years it has worked to develop knowledge about Tasmania, and it continues its close association with both the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
Present membership totals about 350 from Tasmania, other parts of Australia and overseas. The Society is administered by a Council comprising elected and ex officio members.
The Royal Society of Tasmania is set up under its own Act of the Tasmanian Parliament. This Act permits The Royal Society of Tasmania to create its own By-Laws.
The Royal Society of Tasmania is currently housed in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Entry is through the Davey Street entrance. The Society has meeting rooms here and an Office which is staffed on Thursdays from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.