Our annual intake of new MEMBERS is curated.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB - London Patronage Membership - 2025 intake applications are currently OPEN

INSTRUCTIONS, POLICIES, QUALIFICATIONS & CATEGORIES FOR MEMBERSHIP

Only a complete application is eligible for review, the application form is at the end of this page.

London Patron Member: Is someone that is looking to join the club in an active capacity, and that whilst may not be a published academic. The London Patron Membership benefits those who want to join the club to begin the route to club fellowship. To qualify you must illustrate an active interest in the clubs goals, and provide to us your biography and relative experience in the field, if you do not have any experience yet and would like to be considered for membership with an interest to join an expedition you may still apply.

Full Member: Is someone who has evidenced a sustained interest in some aspect of field exploration and has contributed in broad terms to the cause of exploration, which includes furthering the scientific knowledge of the world (for example, by leading or accompanying appropriate expeditions). Members are entitled to voting privileges and may serve as sponsors for new members.

Fellowship: Someone who goes beyond the basic requirements of Member to include actual contributions to scientific knowledge in the field of geographical exploration or allied sciences. Such accomplishments are usually evidenced by scientific publications documenting fieldwork or explorations. Fellows are entitled to voting privileges and may serve as sponsors for new members.

Term Member: Is a full time graduate student with the qualifications and experience of a Member. Applicants for Term membership must provide proof of full time status as a graduate student or teaching instructor with the application. The maximum duration as a Term member, irrespective of age, is 5 years unless the Board grants an extension for hardship.

Student Member: Is at least 16 and less than 30 years old and enrolled in an accredited school full time. The student provides a copy of his or her student ID with the application. Only one sponsor is required.

Friend of The Explorers Club: Is someone who does not possess the qualifications and experience of a Member or Fellow, but supports the goals of the Club. Friends do not have voting privileges and may not serve as sponsors for new members.

Extensive travel without a scientific purpose or objective, big game hunting, personal photography or similar pursuits in remote parts of the world does not represent sufficient qualification to become a Member/Fellow of the Club. On the other hand, active participation in field expeditions sponsored by recognised scientific organisations, universities or museums is given serious consideration, even if the results of the effort are part of an ongoing study.

Reclassifying to Member or Fellow: Those wishing to reclassify from Term or Full Membership to another category (such as Emeritus, Life or Fellow) should use a reclassification form please contact management.

Those wishing to transition from Student or Friend to Patron, Term, Member or Fellow should use this Application for Membership.

The Role of the Membership Committee: The Membership Committee determines whether the applicant satisfies the qualifications for membership. If so, the committee determines the membership category and places the name of the applicant on the list for approval by the Board of Directors. If the applicant does not qualify for the requested level of membership, the committee notifies the Sponsor, who in turn notifies the Applicant.

Dues Rates & Fees: The Explorers Club runs on a fiscal year which runs from July 1 through June 30. New members will be responsible for:- Initiation fee equal to the amount of the membership classification-based annual dues (US residents only) - Annual dues payment based on membership classification, prorated for the time remaining in the fiscal year After notification of election, the candidate has 60 days to activate membership by paying all dues and fees. If unpaid after 60 days, the invitation to membership will be revoked.

Diversity: The Explorers Club is committed to reducing barriers to membership for underrepresented groups. Applicants from United Nations defined middle to lower income countries and applicants from high income countries who bring diversity to our ranks will be given the opportunity to apply for assistance with their dues after they are accepted as members of the club.

If you wish to join the Club and are without sponsorship, you may submit an application that can be used for reference by the Club. To find sponsors you are advised to contact the club secretary. This is the best way to begin to learn about the club and to meet members who may be willing to sponsor you.

The club secretary will review the information you submit in the form below and you should provide sponsor details, if you do not have sponsor the club secretary will need to interview you to evaluate you application and qualifications.