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MBL Society

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) invites qualified individuals to become members of the MBL Society. From its inception in 1888, the MBL Society has been guided by scientists who are invested in the MBL and its future. Under authority established by the Board of Trustees, members of the MBL Society serve in an advisory capacity and as a resource to provide scientific and other guidance at the request of the MBL leadership.

The MBL Society has hundreds of Members and Emeritus Members, who comprise scientists, dedicated alumni, and committed and informed friends with a history of discovery at, commitment to, and interest in the MBL and its programs.

Members of the MBL Society are led by a Speaker of the Society, currently Anne Hart, who is appointed by members of the MBL Society.

More information on the MBL Society can be found in the Bylaws and the MBL Society Membership Criteria and Procedures document. 

Why Join the MBL Society? We hope you will help grow the Society by to embracing your history with the MBL and applying for membership.

As a Society member you:

  • Are invited to participate in the MBL Society Annual Meeting and reception
  • Are eligible for nomination of and election to the MBL Society Council
  • Are eligible for nomination of and election as Speaker of the MBL Society*
  • Will receive regular communication from the MBL Society Council following Council meetings
  • Have year-round access to the MBL Lillie Library on weekdays, 9am – 5pm, and you are eligible to apply for extended hours across seven days per week, 7am – 11pm
  • Receive free online subscription to the Biological Bulletin
  • Receive a discount (10%) at the MBL Gift Shop

* Students and postdoctoral Fellows not eligible

Annual Renewal:

To remain a Society member in good standing, members (excluding Emeritus members) must opt-in yearly via annual MBL Society reminders sent to members. For additional questions regarding the renewal process, you may contact mblsociety@mbl.edu.

In lieu of dues, annual donations to the MBL Annual Fund are encouraged and are tax-deductible to the Society member.

Minimum suggested level of donation:

Regular Investigators $100
Beginning Investigators $50
Postdoctoral Researchers and Graduate Students $25
Emeritus Members $100

Applying for Society Membership

A complete application includes: 1) a filled-in application form, 2) a CV, and 3) two endorsements by current Society members. To use the form, you must have the latest version of Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. 

The application form should be filled out, saved, and e-mailed with your CV as an attachment to MBLSociety@mbl.edu. Endorsements may be e-mailed separately to MBLSociety@mbl.edu. The Society Council will review applications for approval at their meetings during the year.

MBL Society Annual Meeting

The Speaker of the MBL Society presides over an Annual Meeting each summer for Members and Emeritus Members in good standing.  The MBL Director and the Chair/Vice Chair of the Society Council will provide an update during the meeting. The meeting emphasizes transformative ideas and cutting-edge research being conducted by scientists throughout the MBL, and the highlight is a scientific symposium, bringing renewed emphasis and engagement of the MBL Society in the MBL’s scientific mission and new strategic directions.

Society Council

The MBL Society Council is an advisory group consisting of not more than 13 members elected by members of the MBL Society in good standing. Society Council is one of the major advisory groups that provide their support, knowledge, and experience to the leadership of the MBL.