Membership
Benefits of membership
Membership of the Royal Society of New South Wales is open to any person interested in the promotion of studies in evidence-based debate on matters of significance to humanity.
The Society upholds the principles of liberal democracy and encourages a non-discriminatory discourse and the free exchange of ideas that respect religious, political, and cultural freedoms, seeing these as fundamental to Australian intellectual life.
Society membership brings inclusion in networks of learned researchers and professionals across a wide range of disciplines, provides opportunities to advance the evolution of science and culture in Australia, and is an avenue through which individuals can share in the work of the Society.
The Society particularly welcomes young people to become members.
The Society offers
- A monthly Bulletin to keep you up to date with what’s going on in the Society.
- Monthly lectures in Sydney and at the Branches, presented by eminent researchers and practitioners, to inform you of the latest developments in their fields, and to address major challenges confronting contemporary society.
- An extensive library of recordings of Society events — including the monthly lectures, Ideas@theHouse, and the annual Forum on our YouTube channel.
- Social events that bring members together.
- Specialist, prestigious lectures, such as the Clarke, Pollock, Poggendorf, and Liversidge lectures.
- Free online and subscription access to the printed version of the Society’s internationally-recognised peer-reviewed Journal, providing refereed reviews and other learned papers, together with written versions of our monthly lectures, PhD abstracts, and biographical memoirs.
- An annual dinner with an eminent speaker and an opportunity to mingle with the winners of our prestigious awards.
- Access to one of the oldest scientific libraries in the Southern Hemisphere.
Membership categories
There are four categories of membership:
- Full Membership
- Fellowship—which recognises members who are leaders in their fields and professions
- Associate Membership—for full-time students up to the age of 25
- Associate Membership—for spouses or partners of Full Members or Fellows.
Subscription rates for these categories of membership are listed on the How to Join page. Reduced rates are available to Full Members and Fellows in retirement.
Joining the Society
If you wish to join the Society, you may do so online as explained on the Joining the Society page of the website. Applicants for Full Membership and Fellowship applications must be nominated and seconded by a Full Member or Fellow of the Society.
There are separate forms for use by applications for:
- Full Membership—for residents in NSW/ACT, Interstate, and Overseas
- Fellowship—for residents in NSW/ACT, Interstate, and Overseas
- Associate Membership—or full-time students and those under 25, and for relatives/partners of Full Members or Fellows.
Membership services
The Membership Services page provides access to a range of member services through the Membes data base. These include:
- Updating personal information and contact details.
- Purchasing Society merchandise—including books and a subscription to the printed edition of the Journal.
- Payment of subscriptions.
Subscribe to our mailing list
Join us to be part of a growing community that discusses, shares, and stays ahead of the latest developments in real time.