Membership Categories

The Fellowship category of membership was introduced in December 2013 to recognise members who are leaders in their field.  The criteria for Fellowship were updated in 2024 to reflect better the Society’s intention to qualify accomplished, highly capable people from all disciplines and walks of life for election as Fellows of the Society

A person who has made outstanding achievements in one or more of academia, industry, government, public administration, culture or civil society, is held in high professional standing or has made a significant contribution to the welfare and well-being of Australia may be elected a Fellow of the Society. Criteria for Fellowship may be found in the Society’s Rules and are listed below.

To become a Fellow of the Society, you must be nominated and seconded by a Fellow or a Full Member of the Society.  There is an annual membership fee and a joining fee, payable only in the first year of membership. Fellows of the Society are entitled to use the post-nominal FRSN.

If you wish to join the Society and you do not know a Fellow or a Full Member personally, please contact the Society’s office and we can arrange for an introduction. Often, people decide to join after attending meetings as a visitor.

Fellowship Assessment Criteria

To qualify for Fellowship a nominee will be resident in or have an established connection with NSW and will provide evidence such as:

1. having expanded the boundaries of knowledge; improved practice and understanding; developed cultural life in NSW or Australia; enhanced NSW’s reputation globally;
2. holding or having held senior leadership role(s);
3. having been appointed on merit to external roles and activities or election to prestigious institutions;
4. having a doctoral degree, a significant record of cited publications or an equivalent body of work;
5. having received a prestigious award, prize or medal in their profession or discipline;
6. having extensive and long-term involvement in the Society’s affairs.