Who can become a Fellow?
Fellowship of IIC is open to established members of the profession who are actively engaged in conservation. They may be:
• Practising conservators and restorers;
• Scientists and technologists working in the field of conservation;
• Conservation educators;
• Other persons, whether technical, curatorial or administrative, who have made an important contribution to the conservation profession.
Fellows are normally expected to have been active in the conservation profession for at least ten years and preferably (although not essential) to have been personal members of IIC for five years. For conservators, this ten-year period can include a period of study under teachers of recognised ability. For other applicants, the ten-year period can include up to three years of postgraduate study towards a relevant higher degree or diploma.
Fellows must be able to demonstrate a significant commitment to the profession and its advancement, and to show that they keep up-to-date with relevant developments. Indicators include publications, voluntary service to conservation organizations, active participation in conferences and training events, membership of other relevant professional bodies, and accreditation by a national organization.
Applications are received and reviewed by the Fellowship Committee and IIC Council before going to ballot three times a year. Deadlines for nominations are as follows:
- 31 March
- 31 July
- 30 November
Please note: Fellowship is awarded after the full nomination and election process is successfully completed. Payment of a Fellowship rate membership fee to IIC does not in itself confer Fellowship of IIC or any rights of Fellowship.
Routes to fellowship
There are two routes into Fellowship:
1. Fellow nomination
If you are not a Fellow of IIC, one of your colleagues who is already a Fellow may suggest that you apply and offer to act as your Nominating Fellow.
2. Self-instigated
A potential candidate, including individual members on the 'Pathway to Fellowship', does not necessarily have to wait to be invited and can seek nomination by an IIC Fellow or help and guidance from the IIC Office. If you are a member of the IIC, you can access our Member Directory to aid your search for Nominating and Supporting Fellows. If you are not an IIC member, the IIC Office will be able to assist you in your search.
The fellowship application process
A Nominating Fellow, namely a Fellow in good standing with the IIC, is the Fellow who nominates a candidate to Fellowship.
The application process has the same requirements for both routes into Fellowship. Each application requires 3 items:
1. A complete Application for Fellowship Form with the following (forms can be downloaded below):
The name, status, affiliation and full contact details of the candidate.
The names and electronic contact details or postal addresses of three willing Supporting Fellows whose support the Nominating Fellow has received and can attest to
2. A brief statement written by the Nominating Fellow and not exceeding 200 words, summarising the candidate's contribution to conservation and supporting the nomination.
3. The candidate's current CV
In the instance of a Fellow nominating a candidate, the Nominating Fellow should first ensure that the candidate:
• is in agreement with being nominated
• has been in the field for at least ten years and has made sufficient contributions to the profession to be deserving of the status of IIC Fellow.
• is currently a member (though this is not essential) or is willing to become a member of IIC
The Nominating Fellow should also ensure that three other IIC Fellows in good standing have agreed to support the nomination and know that they may be asked for their views on the candidate by the Council.
If the candidate is working via the self-instigated route, the candidate, alongside the IIC Office if necessary, must ensure that the Nominating Fellow and the Supporting Fellows are in agreement with the nomination.
The IIC office will be happy to assist the Nominating Fellow and the candidate in the process of nomination, including if required, checking the current Fellowship status of IIC members. However, an effort should first be made to confirm this by logging on to the membership list on this website.
Once received at the IIC Office, the nomination is checked for completeness, reviewed by the Fellowship Committee and laid before IIC’s Council at its next available meeting for the Council to approve the nomination.
Once the nomination has been approved by the Council it is circulated for ballot to all IIC Fellows, who are offered the following voting options: “for”, “against” and “not known to me”. To be elected a Fellow a candidate must gain two-thirds of the votes returned in favour of the candidate, disregarding any “not known to me” responses.
Successful candidates will be notified as soon as possible and will be asked to provide a summary biography and a photograph for publication in 'News in Conservation' and on the IIC website.
Peer election, recognition, respect and integrity.
Trusted - sets a high standard for excellence and expertise.
Being part of a growing and inclusive network with an open generosity to share knowledge and learning.
International fellowship acknowledges the impact you’ve made, your contribution, influence and vision.