In just under an hour the oldest scientific institution in the UK will open its doors for members to debate proposals that some fear could cause it irreparable damage.

The Royal Institution (Ri) sometimes seems to have been lurching from one crisis to the next recently, with the sacking of its director Susan Greenfield followed by an attempt by a group of rebel members to oust the current leadership. Scrutiny of its finances and questions over a multi-million pound refurbishment have also troubled the institution where famous scientists such as Davy and Faraday once plied their trade.

At tonight’s ‘special general meeting’ members will vote on proposals to dismiss the current council of the Ri. Adrian de Ferranti, the institution’s current chairman, warned in a recent letter to members that, “The Ri is facing Resolutions which, if voted in, will ensure the permanent destabilisation of the governance structure of our organisation at a time when the RI faces a severe financial crisis resulting from the cost of the refurbishment project and the economic downturn.”

Greenfield says she is not leading the rebellion, but “the fact that so many talented, high calibre and busy individuals feel compelled to take this measure should surely indicate how crucial they consider the cause” (PA).

Lisa Jardine, of St Mary’s College, London, is quoted in the Guardian as a supporter of Greenfield, saying the current council is a “funny boxed-in clique and we are trying to free the institution from their influence”.

Medicine Nobel laureate Paul Nurse is playing peacemaker, in the Times: “It would be much better if the opponents who have put this motion could find a way to work with the present board. What’s required is for everyone to work together to save this valuable institution.”