Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independent Scholarship?
Independent scholars may participate in the community of scholars outside institutional frameworks, but their aims and results must meet the same standards. While scholars will always reference the present level of study, they must also add to it with new knowledge or approaches to their topics. Documentation of this contribution includes evidence of traditional scholarly methodology and presentation in a manner that permits rigorous peer review such as that found by publication in peer reviewed journals or professional conferences within your chosen field. This achievement usually extends beyond traditional formal education or daily professional work, although some fields do have practitioner scholars.
Can I Join NCIS?
Absolutely! Although NCIS is registered as a non-profit in the USA, you are welcome to join wherever you live. NCIS membership is truly international: we currently have members in 24 countries, on every
continent except Antarctica!
Yes, so long as you are not in a secure, tenured post. The term “independent scholar” includes the many
precarious academics (variously described as adjunct/contingent/faculty, sessional or hourly-paid
lecturers etc.) whose numbers continue to grow, as academic institutions increasingly rely on often
poorly compensated part-time scholars who receive few benefits and little job security. See our Levels & Qualifications page for more details.
NCIS members include those who have not held, or have never wished to hold, a formal academic post.
Membership candidates are examined on a case-by-case basis, and assessed for intellectual contribution, scholarly rigor, and independent status prior to acceptance. See our Levels & Qualifications page for more details.
Certainly! We have emerging scholars without PhDs who are Full members (some have many
publications, for instance.) You are eligible to join as a Full Member if you can demonstrate a history of
commitment to independent scholarly work through research and peer-reviewed publications.
The Membership Committee may suggest that you apply for Associate Membership rather than Full
Membership if you have not yet published in peer-reviewed journals. While Associate membership is
designed primarily for graduate students and Early Career Researchers (ECR), the Membership
Committee also recognizes emerging independent scholars, such as those who may be changing career
paths. Membership candidates are examined on a case-by-case basis, and assessed for intellectual
contribution, scholarly rigor, and independent status prior to acceptance. See our Levels & Qualifications
page for more details.
Absolutely! Our members have taken many paths, including teaching in high school, colleges, and
prisons. You can apply for Full or Associate membership, and the Membership Committee may recognize
you as a Full Member if you have in fact been publishing and presenting your research.
Of course! NCIS members frequently earn their living outside academia, as writers, consultants,
translators, copy editors, or in industry and the commercial sector while pursuing their research as
independent scholars. Applications are examined on a case-by-case basis, and you can check out the
criteria on our Levels & Qualifications page.
Certainly! You can apply for Associate Membership, which is designed primarily for graduate students
and early career researchers (ECR). As your publication record evolves, you can apply to the Membership
Committee to be considered for Full Member status. Once upgraded, you will be able to access grants
and other benefits only available to Full Members. (Your time as an Associate Member will be counted
towards your grant eligibility period.)
Certainly! Our membership includes an increasing number of scholars walking away from the pressures
of academia, as well as emeritus professors who would like to pursue their research independently but
find their title does not afford them the benefits they previously enjoyed (e.g. affiliation, journal access, university email address, and financial support for research or conference presentations. See our Levels & Qualifications page for more details.
Academic Credentials
NO!!! Absolutely not. Membership in NCIS opens doors, purely because of the rigor of our membership
vetting procedures. Following/liking us on Facebook is a great way of joining the IS community, but it is an expression of interest rather than a validation of your academic credentials. Claiming to be a paid-up member when you are not would amount to fraud.
Only when you have paid your dues, been vetted, and had official confirmation of your acceptance for Full, Associate or Life Membership. Any enquiries should be addressed to membership@ncis.org
Yes, provided you are currently a fully paid-up member at any level. Due to the rigor of our membership
vetting procedures over the last 30+ years, NCIS is accepted as an affiliation by journals, conferences etc.
We recommend that you describe yourself thus:
Role: Independent Researcher (or) Independent Scholar
Affiliation: National Coalition of Independent Scholars
The Benefits of Membership
Many and various! As well as the sense of community and mutual support of others – so important in addressing the isolation and identity issues often cited by ISs – NCIS also addresses the challenges of independent scholarship in a very concrete way. These include providing an institutional affiliation;
validation of your academic status; financial support through grants, prizes, and discounts on journal access, referencing software etc. Members can also request letters of introduction to get you into archives, libraries etc. A full list of member benefits can be found here.
No, NCIS is unable to provide these services due to current regulatory policies and the nature of our organization, which is volunteer-driven. If you have any queries please address them to us at info@ncis.org.
As a Full Member (or an Associate Member subsequently upgraded to Full Member status) you can apply for an NCIS Research Grant to help with expenses such as travelling to archives/libraries/other resources essential to your research. Eligibility criteria can be found on our main Grants page
Presenting at academic conferences is crucial to your development as a scholar, so we offer Conference Support Grants. You can apply if you are a Full Member (or an Associated Member subsequently upgraded to Full Member status). Eligibility criteria can be found here.
As an Associate Member you will enjoy most membership benefits, including some of the NCIS grants and prizes. You can also publish in our peer-reviewed open-access journal, The Independent Scholar, and much more. A handy chart comparing the benefits enjoyed at each level of membership can be found here.