About Our Members
The Academy comprises around 360 scholars from all parts of the world. There are full and corresponding members who are organised into two classes: the Class of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Class of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Within each class, there is a maximum of 40 active full members and a maximum of 100 active corresponding members. Ordinary members aged 70 and over as well as corresponding members aged 75 and over are automatically relieved of their duties and are therefore no longer included in the count of their class. The classes complete their portfolio of members by electing distinguished academic experts who have acquired a significant reputation in their field.
Full members are required to reside in northern Germany and have a more active role within the Academy than corresponding members. Their rights and duties include regular participation in the respective class meetings and plenary sessions, which take place on a fortnightly basis throughout the semester. Full members also have voting rights in elections and resolutions. They collaborate on the Academy's projects and missions and contribute to its publications.
Corresponding members may reside anywhere in the world. While they may attend meetings, they do not have the right to vote. Typically, corresponding members are renowned scholars who are closely affiliated with full members through their specific field of research, thereby enriching the Academy's global network of expertise.