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EnglishHow to Become a Member of the International Association of Bryologists (IAB)
Updated
The International Association of Bryologists (IAB) invites anyone interested in bryophytes—amateur or professional—to join through the "Become a Member" section of bryology.org. Membership connects you to a global community of bryology enthusiasts and gives access to the association's journal, newsletter, congresses, and grants and prizes. The site presents membership as open to all levels of interest; specific fees, application steps, and sign-up mechanics are handled through the site's membership page rather than spelled out on the homepage.
Who Can Join
The IAB describes its mission as promoting international cooperation and communication "among all who are interested in the biology of bryophytes, whether amateur or professional." That framing means you do not need a research position or formal training in botany to join—an interest in mosses, liverworts, and hornworts is the stated common ground.
What Membership Involves
According to the association's own overview, IAB's main activities are:
- Meetings in various countries, every 2 years — the 27th IAB Congress is announced for 26–30 July 2027 in Bogotá, Colombia, under the theme "High-Mountain Bryophytes."
- Publications — the peer-reviewed journal Bryophyte Diversity and Evolution and the membership newsletter The Bryological Times (the June 2026 issue, Vol. 163, is noted as containing 13 articles).
- Grants and prizes — awarded by the association.
- Various projects linked to bryology.
The site also notes that IAB members are invited to participate in virtual meetings, such as the one announced for 29 October 2026.
How to Join: Steps
- Go to bryology.org.
- Select the "Become a Member" link, which appears in the site's main navigation and again in the "Become a Member of our Community" section.
- Follow the membership details and sign-up process provided there.
The homepage does not publish the fee schedule or the full application form; those details sit behind the membership page, so check that page directly for current terms before committing.
Is Membership Worth It for You?
| If you want to… | Membership is relevant because… |
|---|---|
| Receive the newsletter and journal | The Bryological Times is described as a membership newsletter, and the journal is an IAB publication |
| Attend international congresses | IAB organizes congresses every two years; members are invited to participate in virtual meetings |
| Connect with bryologists worldwide | The association's stated purpose is international cooperation and communication |
| Explore the field before joining | The site links free learning resources, including an Australian Herbarium presentation of bryophyte biology, British Bryological Society learning materials, New Zealand moss/liverwort/hornwort pages, and J. Glime's comprehensive e-book |
If you are simply curious about bryophytes, the "Discover Bryophytes and Bryology" resources require no membership. Joining makes more sense once you want the publications, meeting invitations, and community connection the association provides.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a professional bryologist? No—the site explicitly includes amateurs.
Where do I find the cost? The homepage does not list fees. Check the "Become a Member" page for current membership terms.
What if I only want the publications? The journal and newsletter are described as IAB outputs, with the newsletter characterized as a membership benefit; confirm access details on the membership page.
When is the next congress? 26–30 July 2027, Bogotá, Colombia—save-the-date notices are posted in the site's news section.