Sir Patrick Moore: New honorary fellow

Now based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, Professor Berners-Lee invented the web's address system and layout in Switzerland in 1990, revolutionising communication through the internet.

The award follows criticism from the new president of the 360-year-old society, Sir Robert May, that the organisation had overlooked the internet inventor.

The astronomer Sir Patrick Moore was also awarded an honorary fellowship in recognition of his long-running BBC TV programme, The Sky at Night.

Professor John Enderby, Vice-President of the Royal Society, said: "Sir Patrick's election is a timely and appropriate recognition of his great contribution to science in this country."

Other new fellows include:

• Biologist Richard Dawkins, author of The Selfish Gene, for his work on evolution and the public understanding of science;
• Geneticist Dr Robin Lovell-Badge of the Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London;
• Mathematician Professor Ian Stewart of Warwick University.