FAQ

1. My primary profession is journalism, but science is not my main topic of work. Am I still eligible for a Full membership?

Yes, you should apply as a Full member, but please provide us with examples of your work in science journalism, including related topics like medicine, technology, or the environment.

2. I work in the media sector on science-related topics (e.g., radio producer, video editor, graphic designer). Am I eligible for an ABSW membership?

ABSW is an association for media professionals who cover science, medicine, environment, mathematics, engineering and technology, even if you are not a science writer or a journalist writing for printed media. When applying, provide examples of your work in science journalism.

3. Are membership benefits different for Full members and Associate members?

Life, Full, Associate, and Student members have access to the same benefits, like free or discounted tickets to events and training, access to the exclusive members' area and to members' forums or have the chance to make their details available on our public directory.

All members can attend the Annual General Meeting, but only Life and Full members are entitled to vote. Only Life and Full members can run for the board or vote to elect board members. Associate and Student members can be co-opted by the Executive Board to contribute relevant special expertise, according to the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association and Standing Orders of ABSW.

4. I’ve been working in science communication or on a science press team, or on a marketing team, but now want to establish myself as a freelance science writer. What is the appropriate category?

You should apply for Associate membership. Once you can demonstrate that journalism is your primary profession, you can apply for a Full membership by contacting the Community Manager.

5. My primary profession is creating blog posts or other content for a charity or a scientific society, or a research institute. What is the appropriate category?

You should apply for an Associate membership, as you are creating content on behalf of the organisation, whether you are doing it as a freelancer or a staff writer. 

6. I am not a science writer, but I have been helping organisations to effectively communicate science to their different audiences using various tools and formats. What is the appropriate category?

You should apply for an Associate membership because you work in a field that advances public awareness of science and technology.

7. I am working as a communication consultant, mainly on science-related topics. Should I apply for an Associate membership?

Yes, that would be the most appropriate membership subscription for you.

8. I am a student, although not in the science field, nor media and communications, but I am interested in science writing. Can I apply for a Student membership?

Yes, you can apply as a Student member as long as you are aged 18 or over. You must be studying in higher education or undertaking further education towards a vocational qualification.

9. How do I know if my membership subscription was approved?

Membership is pre-approved at the point of joining and ratified retrospectively within three months by the ABSW Board. If, after analysing your submission, the board decides you should be placed in a different category, you'll be informed by email. If you have any doubts about the category of membership most appropriate to you, please get in touch by email.

10. Where can I update my profile or membership subscription?

All members have a user account. If yours is not active yet, contact us. Log in at the upper right corner and go to the "My Account" area. You need to use the same email you use to get communications from ABSW. You can change your profile, subscription details, and communication preferences. More information here.

11. How do I know my membership is valid?

Membership renews every 12 months. Log in to the "My Account" area, click "Membership", see when the renewal date is and check if your subscription is "valid" (paid) or "overdue" (payment was not charged at the renewal date). Members will get a reminder email on the 7th, 14th, and 28th day after the subscription becomes overdue. 30 days after the subscription becomes overdue, the membership expires, and people no longer have access to membership benefits.

12. What are the benefits of joining as a member?

Full and Life members who have a valid membership subscription by the date of the AGM are entitled to vote, to be elected as a board member, and to nominate a board member. Associate and Student members can attend the AGM but cannot vote or be elected. However, Associate and Student members can be co-opted by the Executive Board.

The ABSW website has members-only content. In a dedicated Members area, you will learn how to join ABSW discussion and networking groups, find the directory of members, get access to scientific journals, check resources such as job offers, grants, other opportunities, and more.

ABSW members have access to exclusive events and a mentoring scheme, free or heavily discounted activities, and access to recordings of the sessions. The events calendar is published here. All benefits can be found here.

13. How can I cancel my membership?

Members can cancel their membership at any time. Cancellation is free, but it doesn’t entitle the member to a refund (except in the 14 days immediately after the subscription was made, known as the cooling-off period). To cancel membership, members complete a cancellation form through the ABSW website. Membership cancellation is not automatic, as the ABSW needs to ensure it follows regulations regarding data retention and seeks your permission to retain data or to delete any records held with us. More information here. 

Find full ABSW Membership fees, terms and cancellation rights on the Policies page (here).