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Whether you're starting out or already a senior food professional, there is a membership category to suit everyone.
On receipt of your application, if you are a new applicant for Fellow and Member, you will be temporarily admitted to Associate membership pending full evaluation of your application.
Membership categories
Our membership categories are awarded on a combination of experience and qualifications. The letters after your name demonstrate where you are in your career. And, as you progress, you can apply for a membership upgrade to ensure your level always reflects your current position.
Find out which membership category is right for you:
Associate including
For those who have relevant combination of qualifications and practical experience and who have made a significant and continuing contribution to the development of food science and technology
For those who, together with a combination of qualifications and senior practical experience, have very high level of achievement in the food field.
Professional Registration
The recent launch of Registered Science Technician and Registered Scientist alongside the established Chartered Scientist award creates a framework of professional registration across the science workforce. IFST is licensed by the Science Council to award these designations to appropriately qualified members.
These awards are based on a combination of knowledge, competence and commitment to high standards of professionalism. Whilst an academic qualification demonstrates a particular achievement, professional registration captures career development and on the job learning alongside any formal qualifications.
Chartered Scientist (CSci) may be awarded to appropriately qualified Members and Fellows. CSci represents, a single chartered mark for all scientists, recognising high levels of professionalism and competence in science. Applications for CSci may be made at the same time as for Membership or Fellowship.
Registered Scientist (RSci) provides recognition of the important roles that scientists play within all aspects of the food sector. Whilst they may not have the term ‘scientist’ within their job title, there are many people across the whole of the food sector employed in such roles within areas such as new product development, food safety, food analysis, product quality and food production. Applications for RSci may be made at the same time as for membership.
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) provides recognition of the important roles that technicians play within all aspects of the food sector. Whilst they may not have the term ‘technician’ within their job title, there are many people across the whole of the food sector employed in such roles within areas such as food safety, food analysis, product quality and food processing operations.
Members and Fellows who specialise in food sensory work may apply to join the specialist Professional Food Sensory Group
Upgrade your membership, apply for the award of Chartered Scientist or join the Professional Food Sensory Group
Further information and guidelines can be found on the left menu. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Membership Team at so@ifst.org or +44 (0) 20 7603 6316.
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application!!!!
The Membership Team