Maintain your network
- Reach a global audience of academics, policymakers and practitioners at RSA conferences, online events and via our publications
- Access on-demand presentations by acclaimed experts via the RSA Webinar series, such as the Regions, Cities and Industry webinars
- Connect with RSA-funded Research Networks
- Connect with RSA Territorial Networks
- Connect with the RSA Women’s Network
- Subscribe to the monthly eBulletin (newsletter) to stay updated with RSA news and deadlines
Fund your research
- *Up to £5,500 Membership Research Grant (MeRSA)
- *Up to £8,250 Fellowship Research Grant (FeRSA)
- *Up to £1,000 Start-Up grant funding for Band C/D members
- *Up to £11,000 of renewable Research Network funding to organise events to discuss key questions in your area of interest
- *Up to £16,500 Policy Expo Grant to reach global audiences and to connect your work and wider communities to societal questions and policy needs
- *Up to £550 Travel Grant towards travel costs when attending an RSA or non-RSA event
- Apply for a conference bursary (a free conference place) at charged RSA conferences
Publish and read
- Annual subscription of Regional Studies (online only)
- Annual subscription of Spatial Economic Analysis (online only)
- Annual subscription of Territory, Politics, Governance (online only)
- Regional Studies, Regional Science (open access journal, online only
- Annual subscription of Area Development and Policy (online only)
- Annual subscription of Finance and Space (online only)
- Policy Impact books (online and hard copy)
- Publish in Regions and the RSA Blog
- Access to 23 subject-related e-journals
* Please note that the researcher needs to be employed through the HEI for insurance and ethics reasons during the whole period of grant funding. It is the responsibility of the HEI to ensure that the research is organised and undertaken within a framework of best practice that recognises the various factors, including rigour, respect and responsibility, that may influence or impact on a research project.
Since my first interactions with the Regional Studies Association in 2000, I have found it to be an excellent resource for research, practical knowledge and advice. Because of this, over the decades, I have always encouraged my Master’s by Research and PhD students to become members of the RSA and present their research at the RSA Winter or Annual Conference. The feedback, encouragement and advice that the researchers that I have supervised received and I have helped us all advance our careers. RSA is a very important and collegiate resource and repository of knowledge for both practitioners as well as early stage and advanced researchers.
The Regional Studies Association offers a wonderfully inclusive home for researchers from all disciplines. I have benefited from help, guidance and (very importantly) networking opportunities over the years, and I have always urged students to join to take advantage of the resources RSA offers. The support that the RSA gives, particularly to early career researchers, in this difficult time for Higher Education, is invaluable. I am a member of the Women’s Network and really appreciate the opportunity to network with women of all ages and at all stages of their careers in such an open and supportive forum.
Opportunities & Development
- Present your work and network at our open and friendly conferences
- Get actively involved with your Association – we welcome pro-active membership – to shape the field and support innovation
- Win an RSA Award or take part in some of the judging
- Nominate a candidate for the Annual RSA awards
- Use of the post-nominal MeRSA or FeRSA following your family name
- Apply to become an RSA Ambassador or Territorial Chair
Member Discounts
- Discounted members’ rates to RSA conferences
- 20% discount off Article Processing Charge (APC) when publishing in open access Regional Studies, Regional Science
- 30% discount on RSA’s own Regions and Cities book series
- 30–35% discount on books from Taylor & Francis/Routledge, Edward Elgar, Wiley and Policy Press
2026 Membership Fees
New Members
Renewing Members
Find your band
Fees and how to join
Membership fees are for one year on a rolling basis (this means your membership will expire a full year from when you join). Membership is open to all.
Fees are based on career stage and country band. Country band is determined by your current place of residence.
- Renewing members receive a 10% discount
- Multi-year payment is available, combining the renewal discount with the current year’s rate. Email Alex for information.
- UK members can sign up for Direct Debit. Email Alex for information.
Online payments by credit or debit cards are made in Sterling and we can provide an invoice for bank transfer payments.
If you have any membership queries please contact us on +44 (0)1273 698 017 or e-mail membership@regionalstudies.org.
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