Becoming a Member

The Royal Irish Academy values diversity and strives for a culture of equality and inclusion in all of its activities. As outlined in its Strategic Plan 2019-2023, the Academy is committed to ensuring greater gender, disciplinary, institutional and overall diversity in every area of the Academy and its work throughout the island of Ireland. It particularly welcomes nominations from under-represented groups and communities.

Up to 20 Members are elected on 16 March each year, following a rigorous, peer-review selection procedure. Up to ten Members are elected in Science subjects, and up to ten in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Membership »

A small number of Honorary Members are elected each year. The distinction of Honorary Membership is usually reserved for academics who have made a major international contribution to their disciplines but who are not normally resident in Ireland.

Honorary Membership »

Each year, the Council of the Academy can also recommend a small number of 'persons of distinction', who have made an exceptional contribution to Irish society and whose election would, in the opinion of Council, be of benefit to the Academy.