Don't Miss the Opportunity to Apply for AAFS Membership!
"AAFS is a professionally diverse organization, with representation from a myriad of forensic science disciplines and membership from over 70 different countries. The multidisciplinary nature of AAFS is what attracted me to join this organization and is what has kept me renewing my membership for over 22 years. The networking and collaborative opportunities, along with the professional relationships (and friendships) developed, are a few of the exceptional and unmatched benefits. I am proud to be a part of AAFS and encourage others to join our community."
- Joanna Collins, MFSThe application deadline of October 1 is fast approaching and will be here before you know it. This is your chance to join our multidisciplinary scientific membership organization that provides opportunities and tools to maximize professional development, grow personal contacts, and engage with peers within the forensic science community.
What do you get out of your membership?
Membership Benefits Include:
- Deeply discounted registration for the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference
- 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
Visit our website at aafs.org, log into your account, and click on the Upgrade/Apply for Membership button under Manage Account to start the Fall Application Program and submit your application online.
- Explore the 12 AAFS Sections (disciplines) to determine which section best aligns with your education and experience.
- 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 - Submit Your Application
o Log into your MY ACCOUNT portal
o Click on "Upgrade/Apply for Membership"
o Complete the online Fall application form - 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
The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025, to be considered for approval at our annual conference in February 2026.
Please feel free to contact Membership Coordinator Cheryl Hunter at chunter@aafs.org with any questions or if you require assistance.
The views and opinions expressed in the articles contained in the Academy News are those of the identified authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Academy.