BES Facebook groupBES Membership
The vision of the British Ecological Society is to advance ecology and make it count.
Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution, abundance and dynamics of organisms, their interactions with other organisms and with their physical environment. At a time when finite natural resources are being used at increasing rates, it has never been more important for human society to understand its impact on ecological systems and their importance in maintaining human health.
The BES’s many activities include the publication of a range of scientific literature, including four internationally renowned journals, the organisation and sponsorship of a wide variety of meetings, the funding of numerous grant schemes, education work and policy work.
The Society was established in 1913 and has approximately 4,000 members worldwide, and membership is open to all with an interest in ecology. There is a small membership fee, with discounts for students and those from low income countries.
The Society is funded through income from subscriptions, publications and its investment portfolio. It is an independent organisation that receives little outside funding.
Membership costs just £40 per year (£20 for students/reduced/retired) and you can apply and pay online. Reduced membership is open to members who are residents in countries classified as "low Income" by the World Bank. Click here to see find out if you are eligible. To apply click the "Join Now" tab on the left hand menu.
Exisiting members can renew their membership online by clicking the "Renew Membership" tab on the left hand menu. Membership is by Committee approval and may take approximately one month to process.
Membership benefits include:
- Reduced price registration for all BES run and sponsored meetings (BES Student members are entitled to further discounts).
- The Bulletin - the newsletter which keeps you up to date with the ecological community
- Networking opportunities to meet and interact with other ecological professionals
- Member only ring-fenced grants
- Low cost journals
- Member only discounts from leading scientific publishers
- Supporting the BES's vision and activities
