The Makings of an Institute

摘要

As most of you will already know, the RIN was established in 1947. It was one of many manifestations of the efforts made by several global powers to harness and perpetuate the rapid technological revolutions which had occurred during the Second World Wan However in various ways the Institute of Navigation (not yet with a Royal charter) was unique. While those in leadership often held roles in the echelons of the scientific and military community, there was an explicit understanding that it was important to ensure membership would be open not only to members of the professional navigation community but also, to paraphrase Vice President Air Chief Marshal Sir John Slessor, anyone who had an interest in arriving at their destination. For a mid-20th century learned society this is a strikingly meritocratic approach. Similarly, membership was open to both men and women from its founding.