Criteria and documents required for consideration for membership are as follows:

• Prospective members must be sponsored by two members* of the Society, whose letters of recommendation should be included with the membership application. These letters should include that the sponsoring members are aware of the criteria to become a member. See example letters below. If you require a list of members and the e-mail address of a member, please contact: ISSLS@asnevents.net.au

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae in English, indicating interest in the lumbar spine. CV should contain, a list of all peer-reviewed publications and:

  • If you are a Junior Investigator and would like to apply for the new Associate Membership, at least one spine-related published manuscript as first author

  • If 40 years of age or under and/or within five years after completion of MD or PhD degrees, at least three spine-related published papers as lead author

  • If over the age of 40, at least six spine-related published papers as lead author

  • Note the three most significant contributions to spinal research, treatment and/or education on the application form. (PDF copies should be attached with application).

• The applicant must have been present at, and been the presenting author of, a paper or poster in the scientific program of, at least one ISSLS annual meeting during the past four-year period, before being accepted into the Society. The new Associate Membership requires the applicant must have been present at three ISSLS annual meetings over a five year period, and been the presenting author of, a paper or poster in the scientific program of at least one ISSLS annual meeting over the same period. Please indicate the year(s) of your presentation(s). Having had a paper accepted for presentation at the cancelled meeting in Melbourne 2020 is considered as attendance and presentation and having presented virtually is also considered as attendance and presentation.

*As a sponsoring member of an applicant, please familiarize yourself with the criteria for membership to ensure that the applicant being sponsored meets the minimum requirements listed above.

Sponsors can download a template/example supporting letter here. (NOTE: ALL documents must be uploaded together with the Application Form):
PDF versions:
Example Sponsor Letter Applicant under 40

Example Sponsor Letter Applicant over 40

Example Sponsor Letter - Associate Membership for Junior Investigators

Word versions:
Example Sponsor Letter Applicant under 40

Example Sponsor Letter Applicant over 40

Example Sponsor Letter - Associate Membership for Junior Investigators

The application for membership must be received at the ISSLS office by September 1 of a given year in order to be considered for membership. The Membership Committee will inform the applicant of their decision on October 15 (approx) of the same year.

Annual Full membership fees: First year US$250, thereafter US$200.

Annual Associate membership fees: First year US$75, thereafter US$60.