Attention Non-Member Conference Attendees

AAFS Membership Provides Priceless Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Past AAFS conference attendees are invited to apply for membership and join the world's largest forensic science community.

Become part of a global network committed to advancing forensic science and promoting justice with integrity.

By attending the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference, you experienced firsthand the breadth of knowledge and expertise within our multidisciplinary forensic science community.

Now, we invite you to take the next step — become an AAFS member  and unlock a wide range of exclusive benefits:

Membership Benefits Include:

• Deeply discounted registration for the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference
  • Early Bird Member Registration Rate: $575
  • Early Bird Non-Member Registration Rate: $875
  • AAFS Student Affiliates are eligible to exchange 8 hours of conference volunteer service for a complimentary conference registration
• Free digital subscription to the Journal of Forensic Sciences (a $433 value)
  (Student Affiliates may purchase at a reduced rate)
• Access to over $170,000 annually in grants, scholarships, and awards (many available exclusively to members)
• Extensive networking opportunities across all forensic disciplines
• Access to job, education, and collaboration opportunities
• Free or discounted access to AAFS webinars, books, video content, and other educational resources
• Mentorship opportunities through section-based mentor/mentee programs
• The chance to serve on Academy-wide and section-level committees
• Voting rights for eligible members on AAFS bylaws, policies, and leadership
• Exclusive member discounts on entertainment, travel, and more
• One month of free therapy through BetterHelp

How to Apply for AAFS Membership

1. Explore the 12 AAFS Sections (disciplines) to determine which section best aligns with your education and experience.
2. Select an Entry-Level Status
   Review the three entry-level options for your section and select the status that matches your current academic or professional stage: 
   o    Student Affiliate
   o    Trainee Affiliate
   o    Associate Member
   o    If you do not qualify for a section-specific status, you may consider Professional Affiliate — aafs.org/membership/professional-affiliate
3. Submit Your Application 
   o    Log into your MY ACCOUNT portal
   o    Click on "Upgrade/Apply for Membership"
   o    Complete the online Fall application form
4. Important Deadline: October 1, 2025
   o    Submit the completed application
   o    Pay the remaining application fee
   o    Upload all required documentation (e.g., CV, references) as outlined in your section/status requirements
   o    To be considered for membership approval by the AAFS Board of Directors in February 2026, you must: submit the completed application, pay the remaining application fee, and upload all required documentation (e.g., CV, references), as outlined in your section/status requirements

If you have any questions or need help with the application process, feel free to reach out to Membership Coordinator Cheryl Hunter at chunter@aafs.org.