Membership
We are the world’s largest community of professional ecologists
ESA is a community of 9,000 scientists, researchers, decision-makers, policy managers, and educators who are dedicated to understanding life on earth. We are an advocate for ecology and a voice for ecologists. ESA strengthens connections within and outside our community to support your work and promotes ecological science. As our discipline expands its boundaries with new ideas, new experimental tools, and the recruitment of scientists across disciplines and career sectors, we hope you will join us.
Manage your membership
The Ecological Society of America welcomes all ecologists, supporters and enthusiasts as members, as do our many sections and chapters. There are no restrictions on membership nor participation in our programs.
All memberships (except Life and Emeritus) are based on the calendar year and expire on December 31 of the year, except when membership for the next upcoming year opens each fall. For example:
- Join in January 2026: Expires in December 2026
- Join in May 2026: Expires in December 2026
- Join in November 2025: Expires December 2026
The Benefits of Membership
- CAREER DEVELOPMENT: We aim to make ecologists better scientists and leaders.
- Members enjoy free (or highly discounted) professional development events
- Our professional certification opens doors to career opportunities and growth without the need to pursue more degrees, and at a fraction of the cost.
- RESEARCH: Online access to all ESA journals, and unique publications covering important areas of emerging science.
- Researchers at the cutting edge of ecology and allied sciences come to our journals for their prestige, and for the unparalleled editorial support from real people, not AI, that leads to more citations and engagement with the community than can be found anywhere.
- We also have financial support for researchers with fewer resources for publishing. See each journal’s author guidelines.
- COMMUNITY: Our membership is the largest in the field; we are also the center of an international community of tens of thousands. Our support for all ecologists is unmatched.
- Only members can find ecologists around the world through our member directory.
- Find other ecologists in your area or who share your interests through our sections and chapters. Every member gets one for free; joining additional groups is just $7 per ($5 for students and developing country members).
- Members have full access to our online community, ECO.
- ADVOCACY and IMPACT: We stand up for the science of ecology.
- We build U.S. federal support for ecological research.
- We also support the growth of emerging ecologists as advocates for the use of good science in decision-making.
- We work with media to convey the value of ecological research to the general public.
Membership Pricing
Regular Membership
| Annual Income | Dues |
| Under $40,000 | $81 |
| $40,001 – $60,000 | $122 |
| $60,001 – $100,000 | $153 |
| $100,001 – $150,000 | $185 |
| Over $150,001 | $220 |
| New for 2026! Undergraduate Students | $25 |
| Graduate Students | $40 |
In addition to the full package of benefits provided to all members, student members of the Society receive a custom newsletter on ecology careers. Undergraduate members are also eligible to participate in SEEDS programming. Join today!
| Contributing Member | $340 |
| Provides an addition level of annual financial support to ESA programs. | |
| Life Member | $3,081 |
| Enjoy lifetime membership benefits offered through the Society. Chapter and section memberships must be renewed on an annual basis. | |
| Developing Country Membership | |
| Regular | $62 |
| Student | $26 |
| Developing country memberships are available to individuals who are citizens of a developing country and currently residing in that country. For a list of developing countries, select the following link. Worldbank™ Country Classifications | |
Emeritus Membership
This membership type is complimentary and available to retired individuals who have been ESA members for at least 30 consecutive years. If you have recently retired and think you may be eligible for this category, please contact the ESA membership office to verify your eligibility. Chapter and section memberships must be renewed on an annual basis, which can be completed online.
Cancellation and Refund Policy for Membership
Membership dues are non-refundable. However, if you paid for a membership by mistake on our member portal, written request of refund with explanations must be emailed to the ESA membership office within 30 days from the date of your membership dues payment.