Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the requirements for Regular membership in AAI?

To be eligible for membership in AAI, a candidate must:

• 1. Possess a Ph.D. (or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., D.Sc.) in immunology or related disciplines, or an M.D. (or equivalent medical degree, e.g., D.D.S.)
   

  and

• 2. Be an author on one publication on an immunological topic in a reputable English-language, peer-reviewed journal. Manuscripts in press are acceptable when accompanied by a letter from the publisher or Editor-in-Chief of the journal affirming its acceptance and imminent publication. Abstracts and unpublished papers will not be considered in evaluating whether a candidate meets the publication requirement for membership.

2. How much are the dues for Regular membership in AAI?

The 2010 membership dues are: 

U.S. Members: $260.00
Canadian Members: $266.25 (online subscription GST included); $396.25 (print & online GST included)
International members: $260.00 (online subscription); $390.00 (print & online)

Member dues include a subscription to The JI.

3. What is the application process?

You can access the Trainee and Regular Membership Applications on our website: www.aai.org. Click on “Membership” and then “Regular Membership” or “Trainee Membership” just under the heading at the top of the page.

Regular Applications are reviewed by the AAI Membership Committee on a bi-weekly basis. Applicants are notified by e-mail shortly after each review. Upon payment of dues, which is expected upon receipt of the notification of acceptance, all membership benefits accrue to the new member.

Trainee Applications are reviewed and accepted upon receipt assuming all three sections of the application are complete. An e-mail confirmation will be sent after the payment is processed.

4. What are the membership benefits?

Members receive many benefits as outlined in "Working For You", including a subscription to the AAI Newsletter and access to the FASEB Directory of Members. Members also are exempt from The JI manuscript submission fee and receive substantial color-charge discounts for publications in The JI.

Privileges:

• Membership in the largest and most prestigious professional association of immunologists in the world: over 6,500 scientists conducting immunology research work together on common interests and issues
• Membership in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
• Membership in the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS)
• A subscription to The Journal of Immunology (The JI), which includes a print copy as well as on-line access and free access to a searchable, full-text archive back to 1916
• FREE manuscript submission to The JI*.  Members save $50!!
• REDUCED color figure charges for publication in The JI*. Members save $200 on one color figure per page!!
• A subscription to the AAI Newsletter
• Voting privileges in association elections and actions*
• Eligibility for AAI Awards
• Inclusion in the FASEB Directory of Members
• REDUCED subscription rates to 19 journals
• REDUCED registration rates at AAI meetings and courses
• Eligibility to serve on the Editorial Board of The Journal of Immunology
• Effective representation: your views, issues, and concerns on research funding and science policy are brought to Congress and responsible federal agencies by professional staff and member-driven committees

* Applies to regular, honorary, and emeritus members of AAI

5. What are the requirements for Trainee membership in AAI?

Applicants must be regularly matriculated students or post-doctoral trainees currently enrolled in a training program at a university or institution. Applications must be verified and sponsored by an AAI member who is one of the following: a Dean, a Department Chair, or advisor/mentor. The trainee member application may be obtained either by writing the AAI Membership Office or by downloading it from the website. Trainees may remain trainee members for up to eight (8) years provided they continue to meet the qualifications.

The 2010 Trainee membership dues are: 

U.S. Members: $64.00
Canadian Members: $65.55 (online subscription GST included); $195.55 (print & online GST included)
International members: $64.00 (online subscription); $194.00 (print & online)

A subscription to The JI (print and online) is included in the dues, as well as a subscription to the AAI Newsletter. Subscriptions will start upon receipt of an application and payment of dues.  They end on December 31 of the current year. Trainee members will also have the privilege of attending and participating (without vote) in the AAI Annual Business Meeting. In addition, they will receive all AAI announcements and correspondence and will be eligible for awards and discounts.

YES! If you are an active member and are retiring due to age or disability, you may request the status of Emeritus member. As such, you will retain your voting privileges and have all dues fees waived. The JI may be purchased, as well as other optional journals, at the member rate.

An Honorary Member is elected to membership by the AAI Council in special recognition of exceptional achievements in the field of immunology. Honorary members should reside outside of the U.S. and are not usually current AAI members. Honorary members enjoy the privilege of active membership without the payment of dues. A subscription to The JI may be purchased, as well as other optional journals, at the member rate.

10. What happens if I am late in paying my membership renewal?

Dues are late after the due date as listed on your membership renewal invoice. Your subscription to The JI and the AAI Newsletter will be stopped if payment has not been made. Subscriptions will resume upon receipt of payment; however, back issues of The JI will not be sent to individuals after February 1. 

If payment has not been received by July 1, your membership will be suspended until your dues are paid.

Your membership will be considered suspended for up to three years. As a suspended member, you must contact the membership department to request reinstatement of your membership. 

If you have gone beyond three years as a suspended member, your membership is terminated. To be reinstated, you will need to reapply for membership.

You can update your address and other contact information online. Please visit https://aai.org/cvweb_aai/MainLogin.shtml or click on "Update  Your Member Record Online” in the menu on the right side of the AAI home page and login to review and make any changes.

Address changes must be made at least six weeks in advance to avoid an interruption in delivery of The JI and the newsletter.

If you have ordered any optional journals through AAI, you should contact the publisher(s) directly if you need to make an address change.