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.
All nominees for Elective Member, Fellow, and Honorary Fellow are expected to have a high standard of ethical and social behavior that is strongly aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct & Ethics.
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 2026 AOS Elective Members are currently 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. Nominations must be submitted by 15 December 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.
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 2026 AOS Fellows are currently open. Current 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. Nominations must be submitted by 15 December 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.
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.
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.
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.
Suggesting a potential nominee for Honorary Fellow
Any Fellow of the Society in good standing may suggest names for consideration for Honorary Fellow by completing the nomination form in the Member Portal and uploading the nominee’s CV.
Submitting a full nomination for Honorary Fellow
To submit a full nomination, fill out the nomination form in the AOS Member Portal and upload the three required documents.
Required documents for nominations for Honorary Fellow
- Curriculum Vitae — A CV is required for all potential and full nominations. 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. Links to the nominee’s professional webpage or listing on Research Gate may be included.
- Signature(s) of Nominator(s) — Required for full nominations. Signatories must be Fellows of the Society in good standing. Please use this signature form. Only one signature is required. Digital signatures are accepted on the form. However, if there are additional co-nominators, copies of emails from the co-nominators, indicating their support of the nomination, may be provided in lieu of e-signatures.
The Honorary Fellows Nomination Committee will consider names and full nominations that have been submitted by Fellows, as well as a list of potential candidates formed by the Committee itself. The committee will strive to prepare a slate that will represent diversity in our community in the broadest possible forms, including, but not limited to, gender, geographic region, professional affiliation, or other status.
Nominations for Honorary Fellows are currently open.