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Membership Information


Before applying for membership, please review the By-Laws and Code of Conduct.

Why Join BGA?


The purpose of the BGA is to promote the scientific study of the interrelationship of genetic mechanisms and behavior, both human and animal; to encourage and aid the education and training of research workers in the field of behavior genetics; and to aid in the dissemination and interpretation to the general public of knowledge concerning the interrelationship of genetics and behavior, and its implications for health and human development and education. We welcome scientists who share our interest in the interrelationships between genes and traits/behavior, both in humans and non-human animals.


Participation in BGA is a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in the study of genetics and behavior. As a member, you will have access to the latest research, cutting-edge technology, and a community of experts who are dedicated to advancing the field of behavior genetics. Our annual conferences provide a variety of opportunities to network with other professionals, share your research, and learn about new findings in the field. By joining the BGA, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, connect with colleagues and friends, and access support for your own career development.


BGA members receive:


Types of Memberships


New members must provide the name of a current member sponsoring their application (for example, a research collaborator). If you would like to apply for membership but do not know a current member, please email treasurer@bga.org.


Regular Membership

Regular Members are persons who are engaged in teaching and/or research related to behavior genetics and who subscribe to the purposes of the association. Membership dues are $100 with the auto-renew feature or $120 without the auto-renew feature.


Associate Membership

A student in good standing at a recognized college or university may apply for Associate Membership. Membership dues for this category are $70. When an Associate Member completes their professional degree, they should alert the BGA Treasurer, Gretch Saunders, to change their membership status.


Emeritus Membership

Retired members of the association are officially identified as Emeritus Members, after their notification to the BGA BGA Treasurer, Gretchen Saunders that they have retired. Membership dues are $50 with the auto-renew feature or $70 without the auto-renew feature.


Membership Discounts


Please note that New Regular Members pay $100, and New Associate and Emeritus Members pay $50, for their first year of dues. After that year, they will pay the membership rates that are listed above.


Regular Members and Emeritus Members have the option to sign up for the auto-renew feature for membership renewals and dues. This feature is free to members and locks in a discounted dues rate ($100 for Regular Members; $50 for Emeritus members) for each year that the auto-renew is in place. With this membership feature, BGA membership dues are automatically renewed on the date that dues were originally paid. The credit card on file is charged, and an email is sent to the member notifying him/her of the automatic dues renewal. Please note that this feature is not available to our Associate Members, as these members will change membership status (i.e., become Regular Members) over the course of their membership, with a corresponding change in fees and membership category.


Members in low- and middle-income countries as defined by the World Bank are eligible for a discount on membership fees.

  • Members living and working in low-income economies, use discount code LMIC90 for 90% off membership fees.
  • Members living and working in lower-middle-income economies, use discount code LMIC75 for 75% off membership fees.
  • Members living and working in upper-middle-income economies, use discount code LMIC50 for 50% off membership fees.