AOS recognizes three classes of special membership as described in Article I of the Bylaws:
Individuals are elected to these categories in recognition of their contributions to ornithology and to the AOS. The AOS nomination committees strive to develop a balanced annual slate of nominees that represent the Society and includes the diversity of its members.
The Committee on Nomination of Fellows and Elective Members encourages any AOS member to suggest names for consideration as new Fellows and Elective Members. The AOS welcomes suggested nominations (including self-nominations) in order to recognize individuals for their diverse contributions to ornithology and to the Society. Recommendations of qualified individuals from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged.
The Committee on Nomination of Honorary Fellows is responsible for developing the slate of candidates for Honorary Fellows when openings are available. Only committee members and current AOS Fellows may submit nominations for Honorary Fellows.
AOS Elective Members
Elective Members shall be chosen for significant contributions to ornithology and/or service to the Society. Elective Members at the time of their election shall be Members in good standing.
Review our Guidelines on Expected Qualifications of Elective Members.
Nominations for 2025 AOS Elective Members are open. Current Elective Members and Fellows may submit full nominations through the Member Portal. Any AOS member may suggest names for consideration as either Fellow or Elective Member nominees by completing the questionnaire included in the AOS Fellow & Elective Members nomination form in the AOS Member Portal. Nomination Deadline: 15 December 2024
AOS Fellows
Fellows are nominated based on their exceptional and sustained contributions to ornithology and/or service to the AOS. At the time of their election, Fellows must be Honorary Fellows or Elective Members in good standing.
Review our Guidelines on Expected Qualifications of Fellows.
Nominations for 2024 AOS Fellows are currently are open. Current Elective Members and Fellows may submit full nominations through the Member Portal. Any AOS member may suggest names for consideration as either Fellow or Elective Member nominees by completing the questionnaire included in the AOS Fellow & Elective Members nomination form in the AOS Member Portal. Nomination Deadline: 15 December 2024
Submitting a Nomination for Fellow or Elective Member
- Any AOS member may suggest names for consideration as either Fellow or Elective Member nominees by completing the questionnaire included in the AOS Fellow & Elective Members nomination form in the AOS Member Portal. Suggested nominees will be considered and potentially nominated by the Nomination of Fellows and Elective Members Committee.
- Current AOS Fellows and Elective Members in good standing can also submit full nominations.
- Elective Member full nominations can come from Fellows and Elective Members.
- Fellow full nominations can only come from Fellows.
- Nomination Deadline: 15 December 2024
Required documents for nominations of AOS Fellows and Elective Members
- Curriculum Vitae — A CV is required for all potential and full nominations.
- Biographical Statement — A biographical statement is required for full nominations. The entire biographical statement, including the candidate’s name, etc., and the list of names of nominators, is typically 300-400 words and should be a MS Word document. Please follow the format instructions linked here, including letter case and abbreviations for names of institutions, degrees, etc. Use standard abbreviations for journal names in citations. Your attention to these details will reduce the amount of editing required after receipt of the nomination, and will be greatly appreciated!
- Signatures of Nominators — Full nominations require three nominators. For Fellow nominees, all three nominators must be Fellows. For Elective Member nominees, the nominators may be either Fellows or Elective Members. You may use this signature form. Digital signatures are accepted on the form. In lieu of signatures, you may attach copies of emails from the nominators indicating their support of the nomination.
AOS Honorary Fellows
Honorary Fellows shall be limited to 100. They are chosen for exceptional ornithological eminence and, because of geography, primary disciplinary focus, and/or other professional reasons, typically have not been members of the AOS.
Any Fellow of the Society in good standing may suggest names for consideration for Honorary Fellow by completing the questionnaire and uploading the nominee’s CV. Potential nominees will be considered and may be nominated by the Honorary Fellows Nomination Committee.
Past membership in the AOS (or its predecessor societies the AOU or COS) does not disqualify a nominee. The Society limits the number of Honorary Fellows to 100, but the nominations committee is pleased to accept nominations each year for consideration for any vacancies that may arise.
In the event an individual nominated is a current member, their name will be forwarded to the Fellows and Elective Members Nomination Committee.
Submitting a full nomination for Honorary Fellow
To submit a formal nomination, fill out the questions on the AOS Member Portal and upload the three required documents. Note that no additional nominators are required to submit the name of a nominee for Honorary Fellow.
Required documents for nominations for Honorary Fellow
- Curriculum Vitae — A CV is required for nominations. Please upload as a Word or PDF file. Any style is acceptable.
- Biographical Statement — A biographical statement is required for nominations. There is no prescribed format, but the entire biographical statement, including the candidate’s name, etc., is typically 150-200 words and should be a MS Word document. Links to the nominee’s professional webpage or listing on Research Gate may be included.
- Signatures of Nominator(s) — Please use this signature form. Digital signatures are accepted on the form. Only one signature is required. If other Fellows are signatories, however, in lieu of e-signatures you may attach copies of emails from the co-nominators indicating their support of the nomination.
Nominations for Honorary Fellows are currently closed.