The Royal Asiatic Society, was founded in 1823, for ‘the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia, the Society carries out an active programme of lectures, academic seminars and the publication of a journal and monographs from its headquarters and library situated in London’s university and library heartland.

Professor Alison Ohta is Director of the Royal Asiatic Society whom she is also curator. Her topics of research are the Asian manuscripts.