Science rivals could join forces to save Mayfair HQ of the Royal Society and Royal Institution

Two rival scientific bodies could merge to save the London building where breakthroughs, including the first demonstration of electricity, have been achieved.

The Royal Society and Royal Institution, Britain’s oldest scientific establishments, have been academic competitors for more than 200 years. But now the society is considering taking on the institution’s debts to save its Mayfair headquarters from being sold.

Professor Brian Cox and Sir David Attenborough are among those campaigning to save the Grade I listed building. The plans would see the Albemarle Street site become the Royal Society’s public home for lectures, learning and outreach projects.

The Times reported today that talks between Royal Society president Sir Paul Nurse and Royal Institution chairman Sir Richard Sykes were at an early stage.

The organisations must decide on a plan prior to next month’s review of the institution’s £5 million loan and overdraft. It fell into debt after a £22 million refurbishment.