Academic Appointments

Recognising Achievement.
Advancing Scholarship.

Membership and Research Professor appointments recognising academic qualifications, professional experience and scholarly contributions.

Appointment Framework

Two Academic Appointment Series

UKAES offers two distinct academic pathways: Membership and Research Professor appointments. Each pathway has its own selection criteria based on academic background, professional experience and contributions to scientific research and education.

Series I

Membership Series

Five membership levels recognising different stages of academic development, professional experience and scholarly achievement.

Associate Member

Initial Academic Membership

Suitable for postgraduate students, recent graduates and early-career professionals with relevant academic or professional backgrounds.

Member

Full Membership

For individuals with relevant academic qualifications or equivalent professional capabilities and demonstrated engagement in their fields.

Senior Member

Senior Membership

Normally requires at least five years of relevant professional experience, with sustained contributions to research, practice or academic activities.

Fellow

Fellowship

Normally requires at least eight years of relevant experience and demonstrable academic achievements, research contributions or professional leadership.

Distinguished Fellow

Distinguished Fellowship

Normally requires at least fifteen years of outstanding academic or professional contributions, with significant scholarly influence and leadership.

Honorary Fellow may be considered as a separate honorary distinction for individuals with exceptional academic or professional contributions. It is not included in the ordinary membership progression.

Selection Criteria

Membership Assessment

Selection considers academic qualifications, professional experience, research participation, professional contributions and academic potential.

Indicative experience requirements: Associate Member — qualification-based assessment; Member — relevant academic or professional capability; Senior Member — normally 5 years; Fellow — normally 8 years; Distinguished Fellow — normally 15 years of relevant experience or outstanding contribution. Exceptional candidates may be considered through a special assessment process.

Series II

Research Professor Series

Four research academic titles recognising increasing levels of research experience, independent scholarship and academic leadership.

Research Fellow

Researcher

Minimum Eligibility: Doctoral Degree

Applicants should hold a relevant doctoral degree and demonstrate research methodology knowledge, academic integrity and the ability to participate in research activities.

Senior Research Fellow

Senior Researcher

Minimum Eligibility: One Year of Postdoctoral or Equivalent Research Experience

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree and have at least one year of relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.

Evidence of sustained research activity, independent research capability and research collaboration is expected.

Research Associate Professor

Minimum Eligibility: Four Years of Relevant Research Experience

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree and have at least four years of relevant research experience.

Candidates should demonstrate quality original research, independent research capability and academic or project leadership.

Research Professor

Minimum Eligibility: Six Years of Relevant Research Experience

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree and have at least six years of relevant research experience.

Candidates should demonstrate significant original research contributions, academic influence, research leadership and the ability to support UKAES research development and academic collaboration.

The experience requirements represent proposed UKAES internal appointment criteria. For R2 to R4, relevant research experience is normally calculated from the award of the doctoral degree. Exceptional prior independent research experience may be considered as equivalent through academic review.