FAQs

By joining you become a member of Australia’s largest community for chemistry professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, you receive special rates for events, networking opportunities, access to career development programs, and more. Please refer to the Membership page for further details.

Membership fees vary by type. Most fees are listed under each membership category on the website, which you can find when you select the Join Now button.

1. Click on the Log in link on the RACI website.
2. In the right-hand panel, below the username and password sign-in area, click on the "forgotten password" link.
3. Enter your username, which is the email address where you receive RACI emails, and click "submit."
4. If the username is associated with a valid email address, you'll receive an email from RACI with instructions for resetting your password.
5. If you don't see the email in your inbox, please check your junk mail folder.
6. In the email, click on the "go to the password reset page" link.
7. On the password reset page, enter and confirm your new password, then click "submit."
8. You can now sign in using your new password.

The Board may accept individuals and organisations who demonstrate an interest in the chemical sciences as members of the RACI.

The membership structure of the RACI has been designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of individuals from those with simply an interest in the subject to the professional chemical scientist.

Individual Members

• Student: designed for undergraduate, honours, masters students studying in a chemistry related field.
• Post Graduate Student: designed for PhD students studying in a chemistry related field.
• Early Career / Commencing Chemist: designed for individuals who have completed their studies and are in the first three years of their career.
• Member: designed for experienced individuals who have embarked on their career.
• Fellow: designed for experienced individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of chemistry.
• Associate Membership: designed for those with an interest in chemical sciences but do not meet the admission criteria for the above categories.
• Honorary Life Member: granted to individuals who have been a continuous member of the RACI for 50 years.

Organisation

• Industry & Government Partner: Organisations operating in a chemical related area.
• University Partner: Open to tertiary educational institutions providing science education.
• School Partner: Open to all schools providing science education to school students.
• Vocational Education & Training Partner: Open to vocational education and training institutions providing science education.

Under the RACI By-laws, membership is defined into Associate and Full categories. Associate categories do not have voting rights in some circumstances with full voting right being reserved for those that fall within the Full category.

• Post Graduate Student
• Early Career / Commencing Chemist 
• Ordinary Member inc. Chartered
• Fellow inc. Chartered

• Associate (Individuals that do not meet the criteria for Full Membership)
• Student 
• Industry Partner
• Government Partner
• School Partner
• University Partner
• Vocational Education & Training Partner

Full Membership has two grades: Member and Fellow.

The Board may admit full Members who demonstrate professional standing and provide expert knowledge in their specialised chemistry field to the grade of chartered chemist within either of the above two classes of membership.

The Fellowship grade of Membership is reserved for those individuals that satisfy the Board that they have made major contributions within the broad field of chemical science in any employment sector, such as, but not limited to academia, government, and industry, and/or who have made substantial contributions to the RACI organisation over a number of years.

Fellowship is granted by the Board following assessment and recommendation of each application by the Member Assessment Committee. 

To apply for Fellowship please refer to the Fellowship Information Page.

• a PhD with a chemical science focused thesis or
• a degree majoring in chemical science from an RACI accredited university program with three years of professional experience in chemical science related employment that satisfies the Board of sufficient professional standing in the chemical sciences or
• a chemical science related degree from a non-accredited university program with at least four years of professional experience in chemistry related employment that satisfies the Board of sufficient professional standing in chemistry or
• the Board is satisfied that an individual without a degree has achieved a high standing in the field of chemical science as shown by professional experience in their career spanning at least ten years.

Yes, Full Members may receive concessional status if they are unemployed or retired. Concessional status is valid for twelve months, and members seeking reduced subscription rates must substantiate their claim. Concessional status may be reviewed over the course of the twelve months to ensure it is still valid.

To apply for concessional status prior to your annual membership renewal, please complete the following form.

The Board may determine the circumstances under which long serving full Members of the RACI will be granted Honorary Life Membership of the RACI. The standard criterion is fifty years continuous Membership. All Members granted Honorary Life Membership under this By-law, without paying Membership subscriptions, shall retain all rights and privileges of continuing full Membership.

Individuals expressing an interest in the chemical sciences, those working in a chemical science related environment, and those ineligible for full RACI Membership can apply. However, no person can remain an Associate Member for more than six months if they become eligible for full Membership.

Yes. New members status becomes 'active pending', making members eligible for discounted event rates until the membership is approved by the Board.

Members becomes 'active pending' until Board approval is given, usually there is a wait time of a month. Members receive a welcome notice and a member certificate which is available within the members online portal.

The RACI is Australia's awarding body for the prestigious, and globally recognised 'Chartered Chemist' postnominal. When you join the RACI you have an opportunity to be professionally recognised for your knowledge and experience in the chemical sciences, enhancing career prospects and credibility within academia, government, and industry. members who go on to be recognised attain the postnominal CChem (Chartered Chemist), and those who go further achieving eminence in the chemical sciences are recognised Fellows. 

• A Full Member and Post-Graduate Member shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI.
• A Member Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI CChem.
• A Fellow shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI.
• A Fellow Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI CChem.
• Associate Members of the RACI shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation ARACI.

Citizenship and country of residence is not a criterion for membership, but individuals must hold a qualification from an Australian university or an equivalent international qualification from a recognised higher education institution.

A Certificate of Fellowship or Membership shall be issued to each full Member. The Certificate will be issued in digital format only and will be accessible via the membership portal.

A Member who is three months or more in arrears with their subscription will have their membership details deactivated from the Register of Members and not be able to access any of the RACI systems, and is not eligible for any member discounts or privileges.

Members may resign their membership by writing or via email to the National Office. Any resignations made after the renewal date may be entitled to a refund, subject to any fees and conditions.

Members must be fully retired, that is, no longer engaged in any form of paid employment, including part-time work, consulting, or contract roles. If members are semi-retired, a concessional application form may be submitted for review during the transition to full retirement.

1. Log in to your member profile.
2. Click on the quick link ‘Access and update your Membership/Contact Details’ located beneath your profile photo.