What Does It Mean to Be a Member of AIDASCO?

Membership in the Association for the International Development of Academic and Scientific Collaboration (AIDASCO) represents active engagement in a global community dedicated to advancing open science, education, and international collaboration.
AIDASCO members are not passive subscribers — they are individuals who contribute, collaborate, and create, actively supporting projects, publications, and educational initiatives.

Membership Categories

To maintain integrity and ensure meaningful engagement, AIDASCO follows a progressive membership structure.
Every individual begins as an Supporter, demonstrating a genuine connection with science, education, or research.
Supporters may later apply to become Associate Members, once they have actively contributed to AIDASCO’s activities.
After at least three years of verified engagement as an Associate Member, individuals may request promotion to Full Member status.

In addition, Honorary Membership is reserved for distinguished scientists, educators, and partners whose exceptional work or support has made a lasting contribution to AIDASCO’s mission.

1. Supporter

Supporter status is the first step toward involvement with AIDASCO.
Supporters are individuals who share AIDASCO’s vision and wish to stay connected to its initiatives, news, and opportunities.

To become an Supporter:

1. Applicants visit the official AIDASCO registration page and complete the online form;
2. They must agree with the mission, goals, and rules of AIDASCO as defined by its statute;
3. The AIDASCO Board reviews each application to ensure authenticity and relevance.

Approval is granted only to individuals who can demonstrate a connection to science, education, research, or related professional fields.
Examples might include:

• Active or former students, educators, researchers, or academic professionals;
• Individuals listed on a university, school, research institute, or ministry website;
• Recognized contributors to scientific, educational, or community-based initiatives.

This verification process ensures that AIDASCO remains a credible academic network and that all supporters share genuine professional or educational ties to the scientific and academic community.

Supporters:

• Receive newsletters, updates, and invitations to public events;
• May participate in open AIDASCO initiatives and propose ideas;
• Do not hold official membership status and may not present themselves as AIDASCO members in academic or professional contexts.

Supporter status may later lead to Associate Membership, once the individual demonstrates active contribution or collaboration with AIDASCO’s activities.

2. Associate Member

Associate Membership is the entry level of official AIDASCO membership.
It recognizes individuals who have actively contributed to AIDASCO’s activities — such as project coordination, research participation, publication authorship, mentoring, or outreach.

Associate Members:

• Receive an official Associate Member Certificate;
• May coordinate or co-lead AIDASCO projects and initiatives;
• Are acknowledged in AIDASCO’s annual activity reports;
• Are publicly listed on the AIDASCO website.

Associate Members typically hold this status for a minimum of three years, maintaining active engagement during that time.
After this period, and upon review of their continued contributions, they may be considered by the Board for promotion to Full Member status.

3. Full Member

Full Membership is the highest active level within AIDASCO and is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sustained impact, and long-term dedication to the Association’s mission.
Full Members are generally selected from Associate Members who have shown at least three years of consistent activity and contribution.

Full Members:

• Receive an official Full Membership Certificate;
• May serve as project leaders and principal investigators in AIDASCO-affiliated grant applications;
• Represent AIDASCO in international collaborations and conferences;
• Help shape AIDASCO’s strategic direction;
• Enjoy permanent recognition on AIDASCO’s website.

Full Membership is renewed annually and reviewed by the AIDASCO Board.

4. Honorary Member

Honorary Membership is a lifetime recognition awarded by unanimous decision of the AIDASCO Board.
It is reserved for eminent scientists, educators, and partners whose work or support has had a lasting and transformative impact on AIDASCO’s mission.

Honorary Members:

• Receive a permanent Honorary Membership Certificate;
• Are publicly listed on the AIDASCO website;
• May be invited as honorary speakers, mentors, or advisors;
• Do not hold administrative duties or renewal obligations.

Membership Certificates

All official members of AIDASCO — including Associate Members, Full Members, and Honorary Members — receive Membership Certificates confirming their verified status and level of contribution.

These certificates are:

• Free of charge and issued electronically;
• Stamped and signed by the AIDASCO Board President;
• Contain a unique certificate number for authenticity;
• Recorded in the official minutes of AIDASCO Board meetings.

Certificates are valid for one year for active members and permanent for honorary members.

Membership Policy Summary

Why This Structure Exists

This structure ensures that AIDASCO remains an open yet credible organization, welcoming individuals who share its values — while safeguarding its reputation as a verified academic and scientific network.
Only those with a demonstrable connection to science, education, or research can be registered as Supporters, and only those with verified contributions can become Members.

This protects AIDASCO from misuse, guarantees transparency, and preserves the value of official membership as a mark of integrity, professionalism, and contribution.

Policy Declaration

Only individuals listed on the official AIDASCO Members page are recognized as current members of the Association.
Supporters and general subscribers may not present themselves as AIDASCO members in academic, professional, or public contexts.
All registrations are subject to review and approval by the AIDASCO Board.
Unauthorized or outdated use of AIDASCO documentation is considered a violation of this policy.