Membership FAQ

Who can join the American Physiological Society (APS)?

Membership in the APS is open to individuals, researchers, trainees and students who are doing research, studying or have an interest in physiology or a related field. Join now.

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Who are APS members?

APS members work at the frontiers of science to advance our understanding of life and health. Their efforts are leading to treatments for the deadliest and most debilitating diseases affecting humans and enhancing our understanding of topics like genetics, neuroscience, obesity and sex differences. Our membership is represented in more than 95 countries worldwide.

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Why should I join APS?

APS connects a multidisciplinary community of scientists, educators, trainees and students from around the world, driving collaboration and spotlighting scientific discoveries in physiology and related disciplines. We support our members at every stage of their professional journey. Be part of our community and get the lifelong resources you need to grow, connect and succeed.

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How do I join membership?

To learn more, visit the Join APS webpage. Here you will find instructions on how to join.

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What are member section affiliations?

APS sections are Council-approved groups who share a common interest. Each member is asked to designate a primary section affiliation. Members may affiliate with any or all of the other Sections. There are currently 12 sections, each with their own internal governance. Learn more about APS Sections.

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What is the membership term?

The APS membership term is anniversary based. Members can expect to receive their renewal when approaching their anniversary of their join date. 

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What are the membership categories and dues fees?

• Regular ($220)
• Emeritus (Complimentary)
• Trainee($50)
• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Early Career
• Student ($25)
• Graduate Student
• Postbaccalaureate
• Undergraduate Student
• Honorary (Complimentary)

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Can I receive a special dues rate if I reside in a developing country?

Yes, APS currently offers discounted dues rates for those residing in resource-restricted countries as defined by the World Bank. Learn more and join APS today.

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Does APS offer an emeritus member category?

Current regular members who have reached the age of 65, are retired from active employment and are in good standing with at least 10 consecutive years of membership are eligible for emeritus membership. To request emeritus status, please complete the Emeritus Transfer Request Form.

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As a student or trainee member, how do I upgrade my membership?

Upon your last year as a student or trainee member, you will be automatically converted to the next level of APS membership upon renewal. If your current professional status does not align with your membership level, please contact the Membership Department at members@physiology.org.

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What benefits are offered to APS members?

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Does APS have a membership directory?

This members-only perk allows you to find and network with colleagues by institution, region and affiliation(s). You can gain access to the member directory through your My APS Dashboard. Learn more about the directory.

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What publications are available to members?

APS members receive free access to all online publications as well as deep discounts on many print publications and scientific books. View a list of the APS journals.

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I am a new member, how do I activate my journal online access?

Upon joining APS, your journal access will be automatically activated. To access publications online, log in using your membership username and password. To check the status of delivery of print publications, contact the Subscriptions Department.

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As a new member, when should I begin receiving my print publications?

New members are automatically included in print journal mailings. Undergraduate student members and members located in resource-restricted countries do not receive print subscriptions. However, first delivery depends on the timing of membership approval with production schedule and publication issue date taken into consideration.

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As a member, who should I contact if I cannot access the journals online or if I am not receiving my print issues?

Please contact the Subscriptions Department at subscriptions@physiology.org or call 301.634.7180.

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How do I access my account online?

Visit My APS and log into your account. Select the "Update My Account" button.

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How can I reset my password?

Visit My APS and log into your account. Select the "Update My Account" button. Once in your account, select "Username/Password" and select "Change Password".

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How do I access My Section, Committee and Interest Group Hubs?

To learn more about which Hubs you have access to, visit My APS and log into your account. From here, locate the “My Section, Committee and Interest Group Hubs” content block. Select the button “Go to My Hubs” to view which Hubs you are a part of. To learn more about the Hubs and see how they function, you may visit the “How to Use Hubs” video located in the same area of the My APS Dashboard.

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I forgot my username and password. How do I find it?

Your username is your complete primary email address on file. Visit the APS website and select the "Forgot Password" link to receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password. If you have difficulty resetting your password, please contact the Membership Department at members@physiology.org or call 301.634.7171.

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Where can I find my membership ID number?

Visit My APS and log into your account. Your membership ID number is directly under the My Membership section on the left-hand side of your dashboard.

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How do I update my member record?

Visit My APS and log into your account. Select the "Update My Account" button. Once in your profile, update your record as needed (i.e. mailing address, email, phone number, education, demographics, etc.).

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How do I get notified about my membership renewal?

You will receive mailed and electronic membership renewal invoices beginning 90 days prior to your membership expiration.

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Can I transfer my membership to someone else?

No, APS membership is nontransferable.

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I’d like to refer a colleague for membership. How do I do so?

Visit our Member Get a Member webpage for resources on how to refer a colleague for membership. Regular members that refer a colleague to join in the regular or trainee category will receive $25 off of their next membership renewal (up to $200 in a membership year).

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What forms of payment does APS accept for membership fees?

Membership payments can be paid by check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or bank wire transfer. Please make checks payable to American Physiological Society, in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank.

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Where can I find bank wire transfer instructions?

Contact members@physiology.org or call 301.634.7171 to request bank wire transfer details.

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Can I fax my membership renewal?

Yes, payments can also be faxed to 240.366.1138.

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Where can I get a membership renewal fee receipt?

You will automatically receive an email receipt with details upon renewal payment submission.

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Does APS offer membership auto-renewal?

Yes, you have the option to opt into auto-renewal at the time you join or you can opt in when you submit your renewal payment. An auto-renewal notification will be sent to members within one month of the membership renewal date. Members who have expiring or expired credit cards on file will be contacted to update their credit card details online within one month of the membership renewal date.

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Can I pay for multiple years of membership?

Yes, you can pay in advance for membership. However, you need to contact the Membership Department to make arrangements for multiple year invoicing before submitting payment online.

1-2 years - no discount
3-4 years - 5% off per year for regular membership
5+ years - 10% off per year for regular membership

For assistance, please contact members@physiology.org or 301.634.7171.

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Can I cancel my membership and get a refund?

You can cancel your membership at any time, however APS members dues are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Please contact the Membership Department to request cancellation at members@physiology.org or 301.634.7171.

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I’m having trouble paying my dues because of financial hardship. Can APS help?

APS is here to help if you have been impacted by unemployment or other unforeseen financial hardship. Please complete the confidential membership dues assistance program application to see if you qualify for help with your membership dues.

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Is my membership fee tax-deductible?

APS membership fees are not deductible as a charitable contribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but they may be deductible as a business expense.

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Does APS allocate any part of my membership dues towards lobbying fees?

No, APS does not allocate membership dues towards lobbying fees.

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I let my membership expire, what should I do?

In most cases, reinstating your membership is easy. Visit the APS website and log into your account to submit payment for your membership renewal order. If you don't see any open membership orders, please complete the form at the bottom of this page or you may contact the Membership Department directly at members@physiology.org or 301.634.7171.

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Can I purchase APS membership as a gift for someone?

Membership gifting is available for all categories of APS membership. Help a colleague grow, connect and succeed by giving the gift of membership. Learn more.

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What is the FAPS program?

APS Fellow is an esteemed member status reserved to honor distinguished leaders who have demonstrated excellence in science, have made significant contributions to the physiological sciences and related disciplines and have served the Society. Learn more about FAPS requirements.

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How do I apply to be an APS Fellow?

Visit the FAPS webpage and review the application process and criteria. For assistance, please email members@physiology.org or call 301.634.7171.

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Who can I contact with questions, suggestions or concerns about my membership?

Please email members@physiology.org or call 301.634.7171.

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What if I have a membership question that is not answered in the FAQ?

Please email members@physiology.org or call 301.634.7171.

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