Fellowship & Membership

The Academy brings together scientists and scholars across the natural sciences. Membership is offered in six categories, each with its own criteria and admission process. The Council is the governing body with final authority over the admission, election and appointment of all categories, supported by the Academic Council, which conducts academic review and makes recommendations.

Fellow (FAANS)

By NominationLifelongHighest Honour

Elected in recognition of distinguished and sustained contributions to the natural sciences. This is the highest honour conferred by the Academy.

PROCESS
Nominated by an existing Fellow or the Council → reviewed by the Academic Council → elected by the Council.

RIGHTS
Use the postnominal "FAANS"; vote at general meetings; stand for election to the Council; nominate candidates for Fellow, Honorary Fellow and International Fellow.

DUTIES
Uphold the reputation and academic integrity of the Academy, participate in its activities, and assist with nomination and review when invited.

Honorary Fellow

By NominationLifelong

A person of distinction who has made an exceptional contribution to science or to the Academy, and who may not satisfy the ordinary criteria for election as a Fellow.

PROCESS
Nominated and elected by the Council.

RIGHTS
Use the title "Honorary Fellow, AANS"; be invited to the Academy's events; provide advice to the Council.

DUTIES
Uphold the reputation of the Academy and support its development within their sphere of influence (no routine review obligations).

International Fellow

By NominationLifelongOverseas

A scientist resident outside Australia who has made outstanding contributions to the natural sciences.

PROCESS
Nomination and election process is the same as for a Fellow.

RIGHTS
Use the title "International Fellow, AANS"; participate in international collaboration and academic exchange; be invited to provide advice or assist with review.

DUTIES
Uphold the reputation of the Academy and promote scientific exchange and cooperation between the Academy and their country or region.

Distinguished Professor

By Appointment3-year TermApplication

A scholar of established academic standing appointed to participate in the academic activities of the Academy.

PROCESS
Apply or be recommended → reviewed by the Academic Council → appointed by the Council. Term of three years, renewable.

RIGHTS
Use the title "Distinguished Professor, AANS" during the term; participate in the Academy's academic projects; be invited to assist with review.

DUTIES
Participate substantively in the Academy's academic activities, uphold academic standards, and be subject to review by the Council.

Distinguished Young Scholar

By Selection3-year TermWithin 10 yrs of PhD

An early-career researcher normally within ten years of the award of their doctoral degree (with extensions for career interruptions such as parental leave or illness), assessed with reference to objective research indicators.

PROCESS
Apply or be recommended → reviewed by the Academic Council → approved by the Council. Term of three years, renewable.

RIGHTS
Use the title "Distinguished Young Scholar, AANS"; participate in early-career academic activities; may be nominated for advancement when eligible.

DUTIES
Uphold the reputation and academic integrity of the Academy, and participate actively in early-career activities.

Member

Open ApplicationCouncil Approval

An individual who supports the objectives of the Academy and wishes to participate in its activities.

PROCESS
Submit an application → admitted upon approval by the Council or its delegate.

RIGHTS
Participate in the Academy's public activities and lectures; receive its communications.

DUTIES
Comply with these Rules and the Academy's code of conduct, and uphold its reputation.

Join the Academy

Apply for membership, or sign in to access the members' directory.

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