ASA Membership Information

Benefits of Membership

The ASA is the professional body representing Australian astronomers and we would hope all eligible astronomers will choose to join, along with many other suitably qualified people working for the advancement of astronomy in Australia and internationally. Membership brings certain advantages descibed in the Benefits of Membership.

Along with benefits come responsibilities as a citizen of the scientific community. The ASA has a Code of Ethics for members, setting out minimal standards of ethical behavior relating to the profession of astronomy, along with general guidelines on Conflict of Interest.

Categories of Membership

The different categories of ASA membership are as follows:

Honorary Fellow	The ASA Council may elect a person an Honorary Fellow to recognise distinguished contributions to the promotion or extension of the knowledge of astronomy, in particular service to the Society. A list of all Honorary Fellows to date is available here.
Fellow (FASA)	A Fellow is a person with an established record in astronomical research, usually having at least 8 to 10 years of postdoctoral experience and having been a primary contributor to at least 10 well-regarded research papers in refereed astronomical journals. Fellows of the ASA are entitled to use the initials FASA after their names. Those wishing to transfer from Member to Fellow can do so using the usual Edit Membership form and supplying a CV.
Full Member (MASA)	Ph.D. graduates (or equivalent) in astronomy, or others who have contributed to the advancement of astronomy through research or education may be elected Full Members. Winners of many of the Society's Awards and others invited by Council may also be Full Members. Full Members of the ASA are entitled to use the initials MASA after their names. Note that amateur astronomers are not normally ASA members unless they a strong involvement in astronomical research programs or astronomical education/communication.
Student Member	Undergraduate (usually Honours) or Graduate students working towards a degree in astronomy or a related subject may be Student Members while they remain students.
Associate Member	Educators, science communicators, or others such as distinguished amateur astronomers, who have a demonstrated dedication to the advancement of astronomy may be elected as Associate Members.
Associate Society Member	Any society that has demonstrated a dedication to the advancement of astronomy may be elected as an Associate Society Member.
Corporate Member	Any registered company, institution, association or other organisation may become corporate Members of the Society. Current Corporate Members are: Australian Astronomical Observatory Astronomy Australia Limited Australia Telescope National Facility Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University The University of Sydney Physics Foundation

All grades of Members other than Associates, Associate Societies and Students are entitled to vote in Society Ballots. All grades of member receive access to the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia (PASA) as a privilege of membership.

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Membership Fees

In 2013, the basic membership fees in A$ are:

Fees are adjusted annually in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

However, a variety of discounts apply, in particular to encourage prompt payment.

• Members within Australia pay GST on their membership. Overseas members do not pay GST and fees are therefore about 10% less (rounded).
• Prompt payment discount - for payment of annual fees prior to the end of February in the year they are due -
  • $33 for member/fellow
  • $22 for student/retired/associate
• AIP discount - for members of the Australian Institute of Physics -
  • $11 for member/fellow
  • $5 for student/retired/associate
if paid prior to the end of February in the year they are due.
• Retirees discount - for retired Members and Fellows - fee equal to the Student membership fee.

Note also that only financial members receive discounted Registration at the Annual Scientific Meeting.

In summary, the following are fees paid with different discounts applied:

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How to make payments

Cheques or Money Orders

Make payable to the Astronomical Society of Australia. Return the lower part of your renewal notice to the Treasurer.

Credit card payments

Complete the details on your renewal notice and return it to the Treasurer.

Internet and direct deposits

Pay to the ASA account at the Commonwealth Bank: BSB 062-166 A/C 00902732 (Astronomical Society of Australia) (BIC/ SWIFT Code: CTBAAU2S for International transfers) and state your name as the reference. Please also email the Treasurer to report your Internet or direct deposit payment and indicate if you require a receipt.

Contact the Treasurer for further details.

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