Fellow

A fellow in the broadest sense is someone who is an equal or a comrade. The term is most often used in an academic context: a fellow is (at least in theory) part of an elite group of learned men who work together as peers in the pursuit of knowledge. However, there are no precise rules for how the title is used, and each academic institution grants the title as it sees fit.

Professional Societies

Fellows are the highest grade of membership of most professional societies. Lower grades are referred to as members (who typically share voting rights with the fellows), or associates (who do not).

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How fellowship is acquired varies from society to society. It is typically involves some or all of:

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• A qualifying period in a lower grade
• Nomination by two existing fellows who know the applicant professionally
• Evidence of continued formal training post-qualification
• Evidence of substantial achievement in the profession