We welcome experienced bioscience graduates to our MRSB grade of membership

If you are a graduate in a bioscience subject with at least three years' postgraduate experience (in postgraduate study or in work), you are eligible to apply for full membership.

If you can demonstrate equivalence through other education or training, then you are also welcome to apply for our MRSB grade of membership.

Anyone who has completed two years of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) since becoming an associate member, resulting in their being awarded at least 50 credits per year through the Royal Society of Biology CPD scheme, is also eligible.

Join our community

Start your application to join us via our member's portal, mySociety.

Membership fees

Up to 5 years relevant postgraduate experience: annual fee = £106
6 – 10 years relevant postgraduate experience: annual fee = £132
11+ years relevant postgraduate experience: annual fee = £156

Plus a one off £15 application fee*

A 50% discount is available if you are retired, on a career break, not in paid employment, or a student in full-time education.

Note: Any years spent undertaking full-time postgraduate study (within the biosciences, including teaching qualifications) can be included as experience towards gaining the member (MRSB) grade. For example one year of full time study is equivalent to one year of experience, and two years of part-time study is the equivalent to one year of experience.

*Non-refundable if applicant is not accepted for membership. Prospective members are encouraged to contact membership@rsb.org.uk to discuss their eligibility.

Current members wishing to transfer to a higher grade

Providing your subscription is up to date, current members only need to pay a £15 administration fee to apply to transfer their membership to a higher grade. Your new subscription rate will become due on the renewal date following your election. The £15 transfer fee is waived for students wishing to transfer to the associate (AMRSB) grade.

Special Rates for individual members of our Member Organisations and staff at Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) institutions

Individual members of the Society's Full Member Organisations and staff at HUBS institutions can take advantage of a 50% reduced rate for the first two years of Royal Society of Biology membership. Please note that this offer is only available to new applicants and not current members or members of our Supporting Member Organisations. To take advantage of the reduced rate please contact us for further details.

Life Membership

Retired members can take up life membership. Life members are able to take advantage of the benefits of being a member without the requirement to pay future annual subscriptions. As a life member, you will be making a life long contribution to the advancement of the biological sciences for the benefit of all. Please contact us if you would like to become a life member.

Life Membership fee = £780 (aged 65+)

Current members of the RSB can take advantage of a 10% discount on our life membership fees if they have been a member for 10 or more years, and a 20% discount on our life membership fees if they have been a member for 20 or more years.

Our network

The RSB welcomes membership applications from everyone irrespective of age*, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Eligibility and the awarding of membership is assessed against the RSB’s membership criteria.

The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the sector; at school and higher education, in the workplace and training.

Membership is not available to anyone under the age of 14. School or college students aged 14 to 19 can apply to become BioNet members of the RSB.