In summer 2010, the Royal Society will turn 350. To celebrate, they’ll be putting on a ’Tomorrow’s Giants’ one-day conference to discuss a vision for science over the next 50 years. You’ll all want to be there. Trust me.

But why should you give a Newton’s wig about an event that’s over a year away? Two reasons. First, a series of roadshows leading up to the big day is about to commence. The national tour begins with a session at the Royal Society itself on 29 May, where scientists will be asked to:

share and exchange views on a range of issues including the impact of web 2.0 on how scientists share data, communication between industry/ services and academia, and issues affecting careers and research.

You can register for this, and other roadshow events, here.

Secondly, there’s a new forum on Nature Network to discuss some of the issues pertaining to the roadshows and the eventual conference. Many of the usual suspects have already signed up. If you’re not among them, you may want to click here.

Incidentally, I recently came across an old piece of artwork celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Royal Society. If you visit Topolski Century beneath Hungerford Bridge (and you really should), you’ll find a peculiar drawing of RS luminaries toasting the beginning of their fourth century.