Membership

Members of the RMS immediately become part of a huge community of microscopy users, keen to be a part of and hear about the latest developments and advances in the field of microscopy as well as enjoying a huge range of benefits

The Royal Microscopical Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of microscopy and imaging. It is a vibrant society offering its members opportunities to network and to play an active part in the world of science. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds, including undergraduates, research students, users of microscopy in industry and academia, microscopy manufacturers and suppliers, and research leaders in their various fields within the biological and physical sciences. They enjoy a range of benefits, not least being part of an international, multidisciplinary group of active microscopists.

To widen the accessibility of the benefits of membership the Society will be introducing some new membership categories and revised fees.  All members will receive the same benefits of membership, but the cost is configured as to be appropriate to career stage. We hope this will enable all our members to benefit equally and that it will encourage sustained membership for mutual benefit.

RMS Corporate Membership offers a wide array of benefits to subscribing organisations through our events, publications and more. We also offer advertising and the inclusion of press releases in our quarterly membership magazine infocus, with each issue reaching a readership of about 2000 worldwide.


Membership Benefits

As an Individual Member of the RMS you will enjoy:

  • Discounted registration fees for RMS meetings, courses and conferences, with great opportunities to network at the events.
  • Access to an annual bursary fund to support your attendance at domestic and international conferences.
  • Access to apply for one of our Summer Studentships.
  • Opportunities to contribute to Outreach and Public Engagement events and funding support for your microscope-related outreach events.  Your membership also supports the RMS Engagement and Outreach programme including the Microscope Activity Kit scheme providing free microscopes and science activities for primary schools in the UK.
  • Opportunities for Continuing Professional Development via the RMS Diploma.
  • Opportunities to contribute to shaping the future of the field as part of a respected voice with policymakers, research councils, related societies and government.
  • Free subscription to infocus magazine - the quarterly RMS publication. Articles include microscopy techniques and developments, events calendar, news, event reports, book reviews and new product information.
  • Discounted subscription to the Journal of Microscopy, a leading multidisciplinary journal.
  • Discounts on purchases made online at wiley.com, publishers of academic and educational books and journals.
  • Automatic membership of the European Microscopy Society and the additional benefits this entails.
  • Active links with other microscopy societies.
  • After three years continuous Ordinary membership, you are eligible to become a Fellow of the Society and display the post-nominals FRMS.  Fellowship is subject to meeting set criteria.  Fellows are also able to vote at Society meetings, and can themselves be elected to the Society's Sections and Council.
Susan Brooks
I joined the RMS as a PhD student and have been very involved in the Society and its activities throughout my career. It has given me amazing opportunities for networking, training and professional development including, as a member of the Life Sciences Committee, organisation and attendance at brilliant courses, meetings and conferences. These have been both great experiences in themselves where I have met inspirational world leaders in microscopy and made productive collaborations, but have also been very important for achieving my own career goals. My involvement with the Society and its activities were an important part of my recent successful application for promotion.

Susan Brooks


Which Level of Membership suits you?

Individual Membership:

Ordinary Membership* - £88 per year

Fellow* - £88 per year (providing the qualifying criteria have been met, individuals who have been an Ordinary Member of the Society for more than three years can become Fellows of the RMS)

Emeritus Membership* (including those not in paid employment) - £33 per year 

Early Career Membership* (within first five years of paid employment) - £33 per year 

Student Membership

Undergraduate Student Membership - FREE  (we are proud to offer Undergraduate and Masters students their membership completely free - any Undergraduate or Masters student enrolled in full or part time undergraduate study anywhere in the world)

Doctoral Student Membership* - £16.50 (any student enrolled in full or part time doctoral research, or apprenticeship, anywhere in the world)

* 50% reduced rate for developing nations, as defined by the OECD, studying or working in their home country

Please contact Debbie Hunt for further information regarding the OECD discount before you apply for membership.
[If you opt to pay for individual membership by Direct Debit (UK Bank Account holders only) you will receive a 5% discount on the membership fee]

Corporate Membership - £585 per year 

Find out what benefits your organisation can enjoy by becoming a Corporate Member of the RMS.

[If you opt to pay for corporate membership by Direct Debit (UK Bank Account holders only) you will receive a 5% discount on the membership fee]

Journal of Microscopy Subscription

You can also opt to include a discounted subscription to the Journal of Microscopy with your RMS Membership.

For Individual Members this is an additional £150
For Corporate Members this is an additional £485