Membership Requirements
Eligibility for membership is assessed based on a combination of professional achievements and demonstrated commitment to the aims of the Academy. Please explore the requirements below.
The Academy elects individuals who possess a strong commitment to addressing the untapped opportunities and pressing challenges of humanity in order to promote human security and sustainable social welfare for all
CRITERIA 1
Distinction or leadership in your profession
CRITERIA 2
Interdisciplinary accomplishments or interests
CRITERIA 3
Global perspective or commitment to issues of global importance
CRITERIA 4
Record of public service
CRITERIA 5
Participation in the Academy’s activities before nomination
Fellows
Through an initial period of engagement with the World Academy — through meetings, webinars, conferences and other activities — potential candidates have the opportunity to become acquainted with existing Fellows. The formal application to join the World Academy requires a nominating letter from an existing Fellow, and a seconding letter from another Fellow. Self-nomination is not accepted. Total membership in the Academy is restricted to 1,000 Fellows.
The criteria for consideration is as follows:
In addition to the five criteria above, candidates for Fellow must agree in advance to be nominated, to participate in the Academy’s activities if elected, and to pay yearly dues. Fellows can participate by engagement in WAAS programs, projects, conferences, contributing articles to WAAS journals, voting in elections, serving on committees, nominating other members, fund-raising and other activities, promoting its values and policies, and maintaining up-to-date personal directory information.
Associate Fellows
Candidates are eligible for election as Associate Fellows for a fixed period of time who qualify the first three criteria listed above and seek to demonstrate their commitment to the values and service to the values of the Academy before seeking election as a permanent member of WAAS. The formal application for Associate Fellow requires a nominating letter from an existing Fellow, and a seconding letter from another Fellow. Membership for Associate Fellows is restricted to 100 individuals elected for an initial period of four years by the WAAS Board of Trustees and eligible for re-renomination as an Associate Fellow or nomination as a Fellow.
Junior Fellows
Junior Fellows are selected based on a strong commitment and leadership potential, and interested to acquire experience engaging in the activities of the Academy, including participation in the Academy’s programs, projects, meetings and fund-raising activities, contributing articles to its journals, promoting its policies, paying membership dues, and maintaining their personal information in the membership directory. The formal application for Junior Fellow requires a nominating letter from an existing Fellow, and a seconding letter from another Fellow. Membership for Junior Fellows is restricted to 100 individuals and they are elected for an initial period of two years — which can only be renewed twice. For more information, see the “Express Your Interest” section below.
Express Your Interest
The first step towards membership begins with active engagement — by attending our online meetings at no expense, participating in events, and contributing to the dialogue that shapes our mission. We also invite you to submit original papers for publication in Cadmus Journal, our flagship journal which serves as a platform for advancing innovative thought and sharing insights across our global community. Your involvement in these activities is an important part of your pathway to membership. Complete the form below to be added to our mailing list, and receive notifications for online events and other opportunities. Building relationships with existing Fellows is key to a successful nomination process.