Membership
“Why should I join SSR—after all, it costs money? What will I get from being an SSR member?”
These are the types of questions we hear when our fellow colleagues are urged to join SSR.
What is the SSR?
It is an organization of people who share a common interest, e.g., reproductive biology, endocrinology, etc.
What does the SSR do?
- SSR holds annual meetings at which scientists present data, hear about the latest research in their field, and meet fellow scientists.
- SSR publishes the journal Biology of Reproduction (BOR), the number one journal in this area of research.
- SSR informs its members of current political issues related to science: research funding, animal use, ethics, etc.
- SSR also speaks for its members at the national level. A voice representing thousands of scientists has more clout than a letter from a single individual.
What will I get from being an SSR member?
You will join an outstanding group of scientists with whom you share a common interest. You will have the opportunity to make contacts with other scientists. Your voice will be heard when you join thousands of scientists to speak to our congressional leaders and other parties regarding scientific issues.
As a member, your registration fees to attend the national meeting will be reduced. The cost of a trainee membership is less than the difference between the annual SSR meeting's registration fees for nonmembers and members. Only trainee members are eligible for travel awards to the annual meeting, provided they have submitted an abstract to the meeting. Regular members receive reduced publication charges for publishing in Biology of Reproduction. Membership also includes access to BOR online, where every issue of Biology of Reproduction is accessible 24 hours a day.
Other member benefits are the Society’s newsletter, position announcements, and other newsworthy items. Members also have free access to video podcasts of select plenary speakers at SSR’s 2011 annual meeting.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership in the Society includes an online subscription to the Society's journal, Biology of Reproduction. Membership dues are based upon the membership type; for more information, please see the Dues page.
How can I apply for membership?
To apply for membership, please see the New Memberships page.
Categories
Regular
Conferred on the basis of scientific productivity and continuing interest in the field of reproduction or related areas. Regular members have a doctoral level degree or equivalent scientific accomplishments. Once inducted into the Society, Regular members may hold office, nominate and elect Directors and Officers of the Board, nominate members, and vote to change the Bylaws. Regular members receive reduced publication charges for articles published in Biology of Reproduction when serving as the Corresponding Author (membership must be current at the time of submission).
Associate
Conferred on individuals interested in the science of reproductive biology but who are not actively engaged in research.
Trainee
Conferred on any student in training in fields relevant to the science of reproductive biology. SSR currently has more than 600 trainee members. This includes postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates. Membership actually costs less than the member discount on registration for the Annual Meeting. Trainee members are also eligible for travel grants and presentation awards. The less tangible, but more important, benefits of joining SSR include the opportunity to interact with your peers and the most accomplished scientists in reproductive biology. Many career opportunities, scientific ideas, and collaborations can result from an SSR membership.
Trainees and prospective trainees should visit the Trainee Web site with content provided and managed by the Trainee Affairs Committee.
Sustaining
Conferred on individuals or firms interested in the advancement of fundamental knowledge about human and animal reproductive processes.
Emeritus
Regular Members in retirement with at least ten years of regular membership in the society may ask the Executive Director to petition the Board of Directors on their behalf to grant them emeritus status. For more information please see the Emeritus page.
For more information about membership categories and applying for membership, please see the New Memberships page.