APS offers membership fee waiver for scientists facing financial hardship

We know that cuts to federal science agencies have real consequences, including derailing careers and affecting livelihoods. In moments like these, please know that the American Physical Society is utilizing its resources to help physicists affected in real, tangible ways.

APS is the professional home for those who embrace scientific discovery, truth and integrity, partnership, inclusion, and lifelong curiosity. Our strength lies with our community, and we want to ensure that the community not only stays strong but grows.

That’s why we’re waiving membership dues for those facing job loss or financial hardship.

How to receive the membership hardship waiver

• Joining APS? Create or log into your APS account, select “Join Now,” and enter the code MEMBWAIVER2025-JOIN at checkout.
• Renewing your APS membership? APS members can access a hardship waiver option in their renewal communications.

Besides accessing the unparalleled benefits of APS membership, this no-cost, one-year membership comes with two important perks:

• Network with your community – by subfield, special interest, or geographic region – by joining APS units.
• Access APS Global Physics Summit on-demand content at no cost. To demonstrate the APS commitment to open research and professional development, those who request a membership hardship waiver can also access more than 1,300 on-demand session recordings from the APS Global Physics Summit (through June 19, 2025).

While there is no requirement that you demonstrate financial hardship to access the membership fee waiver or the Global Physics Summit on-demand content, if you can pay your membership dues, we encourage you to do so. Dues-paying members support this very waiver program, as well as the numerous APS programs that promote increased access to physics for all who may soon find themselves under threat.

What else can you do right now?

Take a moment to make sure your contact information is current – especially if a career transition may require you to update your email address in our system. It’s important that the community stay connected so that members can join us in our advocacy efforts through our APS campaign to protect science and online APS action center.

Vital resources like the Career Navigator and Physics Jobs board can help you focus on your next steps, and you can stay up to date with APS News, Physics Magazine, Physics Today, and our webinar library, which features topics like research, communication, and outreach.

At APS, we are committed to providing a welcoming professional home to the world’s physics community through challenges, changes, and everyday moments. We’re grateful for you — for your commitment, engagement, passion for physics, and, most of all, for being a part of our community.

Membership waiver terms and conditions

This waiver is valid for one (1) year of APS membership, including unit membership, at the current rate at the time of redemption. The waiver is non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be exchanged for cash or credit. It must be used within the designated period and cannot be deferred or extended. This waiver cannot be applied retroactively, and APS will not issue refunds or reimbursements for prior membership purchases. Additionally, this waiver cannot be applied toward lifetime membership. APS reserves the right to modify or discontinue this waiver program.