Membership
Our multidisciplinary scientific membership provides opportunities and tools to maximize professional development, grow personal contacts, and engage with peers within the forensic science community. Our 6,500+ AAFS members represent all 50 United States and 71 other countries. Our membership is organized within 12 sections (disciplines), supplying access to valuable resources within specific areas of forensic science. Through new research, the development of new standards, and the adaptation of a modern world, our members are leading the progression of forensic science.
AAFS Sections
Nearly all AAFS members join through one of our 12 discipline-focused sections. The first step in applying for AAFS membership is to identify which section you are best suited for. The second step is to identify which status category is most appropriate.
"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, MFSMember Benefits
Each AAFS section provides opportunities for professional development, personal contacts, awards, and recognition. Sections keep their members informed regarding activities and developments in their fields through the AAFS weekly newsletter.
- Enhance your professional credibility and strengthen the trustworthiness of your courtroom testimony.
- Align yourself with a prestigious network of experts, reinforcing your reputation and dependability in the field.
- Vast networking and collaboration opportunities
- Reduced rate to attend the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference
- $433 in savings with a free digital Subscription to the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS) (Student Affiliates can purchase the JFS at a reduced price)
- Free or discounted access to AAFS Webinars, educational books, and other resources
- Ability to join mentorship programs as mentor or mentee
- Job opportunities and expert witness referrals
- Ability to conduct and host educational webinars
- Section and Academy leadership opportunities with a voice in AAFS bylaws, policies, decision-making
- Ability to serve on Section and Academy-wide committees
- Continuing education credit
- Opportunity to apply for grants, scholarships, and awards with up to $170,000 available in annually funding
- *New | Member Discounts and Deals for Theme Parks, Hotels, Ski Resorts, Events, Shopping, and more
- *New | One Month of Free Therapy with BetterHelp
"... Receiving my first Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS) in the mail as a student member in 2000 was a pivotal moment. It felt like I now had a tangible connection to the forensic science community. Since joining the AAFS, I've been proud to be part of this diverse group of professionals, educators, and students. The annual conferences are a highlight, offering opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, share knowledge, and stay informed about the exciting advancements shaping the future of forensics ..."
- Peter Valentin, PhDChristopher "Kip" Thompson Addresses the AAFS Membership
Membership Statuses & Affiliations
Once familiarized with the sections of the AAFS, you can begin applying to a specific status of membership/affiliation. Please view the requirements for each status.
- Professional Affiliate
- Student Affiliate
- Trainee Affiliate
- Associate Member
- Member
- Fellow
- Retired Member
- Retired Fellow
Student Affiliate
Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would support a forensic science career to be eligible.
This reduced barrier to entry is intended to encourage youth involvement in the field of forensic science, escalate career opportunities, and promote collaboration between the different generations of practitioners.
Recent Membership News
Create your AAFS profile!
Even if you are not a member, you can still create an AAFS profile which enables you to apply for membership, access more resources and content, register for the annual conference, post a job, receive Academy-related updates, and more.
Manage Your Membership Status
Note: For Current Members Only
- Upgrade Your Membership Status | Click here
- You must be either a Professional Affiliate, Student Affiliate, or Trainee Affiliate to upgrade to another status. - Promote Your Membership Status | Click here
- The criteria for promotion are applicable to all Associate Members seeking promotion to Member, or Members seeking promotion to Fellow. Please review the AAFS Policy and Procedure Manual 2.6 Section Promotion Requirements for further information. - Confirm Eligibility with AAFS | Click here
- Student Affiliates and Trainee Affiliates must submit an eligibility form every year.
- Professional Affiliates must fill out an eligibility form every 3 years. - Retired Status Information
- Disabled Status Information