Criteria for election

The primary qualification for election to RSE Fellowship is excellence, demonstrated by meeting the three criteria: outstanding achievement, professional recognition, and a proposed contribution to the RSE.

Jump to: Overall criteria Fellowship – FRSE International Fellow – IntFRSE Honorary Fellow – HonFRSE Indicators of excellence

Overall criteria

All candidates for Fellowship would be expected to be active in their area of work. Election to the RSE Fellowship is not in recognition of long service: candidates will be assessed on the quality, significance and ongoing impact of their achievements.

Criteria for excellence:

  • Outstanding achievement (in the candidate’s field and in wider community and society)

    E.g. evidence of expanding the boundaries of knowledge; improving practice and understanding; developing Scottish cultural life; enhancing Scotland’s reputation globally along with enhancing people’s lives and well-being either beyond the ordinary expectation in the field or in additional fields; contributing to a fairer and more diverse society.

  • Professional recognition

    Evidence of a high level of esteem i.e. merit-based appointment to external roles and activities; awards; election to prestigious bodies.

  • Proposed contribution to the RSE

    Potential contributions that could be made to the RSE and its aims, and what format those contributions could be in, based on existing experience or expertise.

Ordinary Fellowship – FRSE

Candidates must be resident in the UK and have a clear and continuing connection with Scotland that is related to their discipline. Where necessary, evidence should be provided to support this. There is no nationality requirement for Fellowship.

In assessing candidates for election, it is expected that their nomination will evidence an outstanding level in at least two of the three above key criteria.

RSE Fellows have a fundamental role to play in enabling the RSE to deliver on its mission of ‘Knowledge made Useful’ and acceptance of Fellowship implies a strong commitment to this mission and a willingness to devote time and effort to its work whether at a local, national or international level.

To find out more about how excellence can be demonstrated in the nomination, see review guidance on indicators for excellence.

Meet our Ordinary Fellows

International Fellowship – FRSE

International Fellowship candidates must be resident outside the UK and may be of any nationality. They should have a demonstrable interest in, or connection to, Scotland, and it is expected that they will engage with the RSE by, for example, providing advice, expertise or giving talks.

Candidates should be of significant international distinction within their own subject or profession and are expected to be of a higher level of excellence than Ordinary Fellows.

Candidates should be exceptional people who, through their election, can benefit Scotland and the RSE; bring international credit as well as visibility to the RSE; and actively foster new academic and professional links.

To find out more about how excellence can be demonstrated in the nomination, see review guidance on indicators for excellence.

Meet our International Fellows

Honorary Fellowship – HonFRSE

Honorary Fellows should be persons eminently distinguished in any subject within the disciplines of the RSE. Their acceptance of Fellowship should enhance the prestige of the RSE. Specifically, they should:

  • Be persons of truly exceptional distinction who have made pre-eminent contributions in public service or in any subject within the disciplinary domains of the RSE.
  • Have a highly distinguished record in the promotion or advancement of the causes for which the RSE was founded.
  • Have rendered outstanding service which is recognised by peer groups as original and inspirational, and which demonstrates a sustained commitment.
  • Be internationally renowned and are likely to be widely known outside their specialism and would normally be members of their national academies.
  • Be of any nationality or country of residence but should usually have some demonstrable interest in, or connection to, Scotland and be committed to further the aims of the RSE.

To find out more about how excellence can be demonstrated in the nomination, see review guidance on indicators for excellence.

Meet our Honorary Fellows

Indicators of excellence

The below indicators of excellence have been created to show examples of how excellence could be represented across each of the three criteria, within each division.

The RSE has signed the DORA Declaration, and these indicators must be viewed in that context.

Outstanding achievement (70% weighting)

Achievement in the field of fundamental research

  • The quality of research outputs in terms of their originality, significance and rigour, with reference to international research quality standards, and specifically the Candidate’s:
  • Principal research publications.
  • Other research outputs, such as datasets, for example.
  • Their contribution to, and leadership of, teams engaged in research, where appropriate.
  • The reach and significance of the impacts on the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life that were underpinned by the research.
  • Significance of research funding/grants awarded.
  • The direct and indirect impacts of major research collaborations established, from institutional to international.
  • The demonstration of excellence in research leadership that furthers the development of research practice.
  • The impact of the Candidate’s work in raising the international research profile of Scotland or the UK.
  • The significance of the Candidate’s work when measured against that of existing Ordinary Fellows in the respective discipline.

Achievement in the field of applied research, as above plus:

  • Demonstrating a significant impact or success in the transfer of research, e.g. consultancy, spin-out or start-up companies, creating networks to bring researchers together with industry.
  • The creation or development of inventions or innovation resulting in successful products, processes, practices or intellectual property.
  • Instigating major changes in relevant public policy and/or government investment or operational strategy, for example in conservation, education, emergency management, environmental protection, health, justice, or social policy.

Professional recognition (20% weighting)

  • Invitations to speak at major conferences.
  • Membership of prestigious professional bodies.
  • Appointment to senior positions in representative organisations for the field or discipline.
  • Appointment to significant advisory positions to government, business or civil society.
  • Honours, awards, honorary degrees and prizes awarded.
  • Recognition or evidence of an ethical mindset and professional attitude.
  • Success in building strong stakeholder relationships.

Proposed contribution to the RSE (10% weighting)

  • The ability to, or prior history of, translating leadership, experience and expertise into beneficial activity or positive change in wider society or for the RSE.
  • Success in delivering legislative or policy change outside of the Candidate’s discipline that has contributed to greater societal good.
  • A history of supporting the development and impact of industry associations, standards bodies, etc.
  • Noteworthy contribution to the development of individuals or groups outside of their field or workplace, for example through mentoring or coaching, or by securing funding or resources for beneficial activities.
  • The effective promotion of the value of knowledge, including outreach activities across the RSE’s stakeholder base (e.g. schools, colleges, local and central government, media, the wider public etc).
  • An explicit commitment to expend meaningful time furthering the objectives, reach, impact and awareness of the RSE.

Outstanding achievement (70% weighting)

  • The seniority of roles held in a competitive employment field.
  • The position held in a religious body, or rank and/or medals awarded in the armed forces.
  • The scale and reach of the Candidate’s work, body or organisation, particularly its cultural/social/economic importance.
  • The significance of the Candidate’s work when measured against that of existing Ordinary Fellows in the respective discipline.
  • Activities such as:
    • Instigating an innovative, entrepreneurial or inspirational approach that radically transformed the impact or performance of an organisation.
    • Delivering stability, efficiency and effectiveness in challenging political or economic climates.
    • Making a unique, significant and identifiable contribution to the creation, or development, of a major civil society body.
    • Instigating change in a relevant legislative framework.
  • Impact in a specific sector or discipline, such as:
    • Evidence of a transformational impact on a geographical community, or community of interest, or national or international society.
    • Success in delivering a significant and sustained positive change in public understanding or attitudes.
    • Embedding efficiency, effectiveness or excellence in governance in a representative body.

Professional recognition (20% weighting)

  • Invitations to speak at major conferences.
  • Membership of prestigious professional bodies.
  • Appointment to senior positions in representative organisations for the field or discipline.
  • Appointment to significant advisory positions to government, business or civil society.
  • Honours, awards, honorary degrees and prizes awarded.
  • Recognition or evidence of an ethical mindset and professional attitude.
  • Success in building strong stakeholder relationships.

Proposed contribution to the RSE (10% weighting)

  • The ability to, or prior history of, translating leadership, experience and expertise into beneficial activity or positive change in wider society or for the RSE.
  • Success in delivering legislative or policy change outside of the Candidate’s discipline that has contributed to greater societal good.
  • A history of supporting the development and impact of industry associations, standards bodies, etc.
  • Noteworthy contribution to the development of individuals or groups outside of their field or workplace, for example through mentoring or coaching, or by securing funding or resources for beneficial activities.
  • The effective promotion of the value of knowledge, including outreach activities across the RSE’s stakeholder base (e.g. schools, colleges, local and central government, media, the wider public etc).
  • An explicit commitment to expend meaningful time furthering the objectives, reach, impact and awareness of the RSE.

Outstanding achievement (70% weighting)

  • The seniority of roles held in a competitive employment field.
  • The range of roles or disciplines excelled in.
  • The scale and reach of the Candidate’s work, body or organisation, particularly its cultural/social/economic importance.
  • The significance of the Candidate’s work when measured against that of existing Ordinary Fellows in the respective discipline.
  • Activities such as:
    • Instigating an innovative, entrepreneurial or inspirational approach that radically transformed the impact or performance of an organisation.
    • Delivering stability, efficiency and effectiveness in challenging political or economic climates.
    • Making a unique, significant and identifiable contribution to the creation, or development, of a major public body.
  • Impact in a specific sector or discipline, such as:
    • A substantial history of representing Scottish or UK interests in an international setting, such as ambassador to a major country or in sequence to two or three major countries/international organisations like the EU or UN.
    • Evidence of a transformational impact on education, training or teaching in relation to national or international practice.
    • Success in delivering a significant and sustained positive change in public understanding or attitudes.

Professional recognition (20% weighting)

  • Invitations to speak at major conferences.
  • Membership of prestigious professional bodies.
  • Appointment to senior positions in representative organisations for the field or discipline.
  • Appointment to significant advisory positions to government, business or civil society.
  • Honours, awards, honorary degrees and prizes awarded.
  • Recognition or evidence of an ethical mindset and professional attitude.
  • Success in building strong stakeholder relationships.

Proposed contribution to the RSE (10% weighting)

  • The ability to, or prior history of, translating leadership, experience and expertise into beneficial activity or positive change in wider society or for the RSE.
  • Success in delivering legislative or policy change outside of the Candidate’s discipline that has contributed to greater societal good.
  • A history of supporting the development and impact of industry associations, standards bodies, etc.
  • Noteworthy contribution to the development of individuals or groups outside of their field or workplace, for example through mentoring or coaching, or by securing funding or resources for beneficial activities.
  • The effective promotion of the value of knowledge, including outreach activities across the RSE’s stakeholder base (e.g. schools, colleges, local and central government, media, the wider public etc).
  • An explicit commitment to expend meaningful time furthering the objectives, reach, impact and awareness of the RSE.

Outstanding achievement (70% weighting)

  • Evidence of:
    • Entrepreneurship and leadership in the creation of new businesses.
    • Success in business turnaround/rescue/rejuvenation.
    • Sustained business growth and success over a significant period in both good and bad economic circumstances.
    • Acting as chair, or holding a senior executive position, in a substantial business.
    • Leading innovation, research and/or development that results in significant new products, processes, practices or business models.
    • Demonstrable understanding of good corporate governance, strategy and finance.
    • Consulting contributions that have had meaningful and beneficial impact on the projects or operations of a client organisation.
    • Reach of the Candidate’s work, in terms of Scotland, UK or international.
    • The significance of the Candidate’s work in relation to existing Ordinary Fellows in the discipline.

Professional recognition (20% weighting)

  • Invitations to speak at major conferences.
  • Membership of prestigious professional bodies.
  • Appointment to senior positions in representative organisations for the field or discipline.
  • Appointment to significant advisory positions to government, business or civil society.
  • Honours, awards, honorary degrees and prizes awarded.
  • Recognition or evidence of an ethical mindset and professional attitude.
  • Success in building strong stakeholder relationships.

Proposed contribution to the RSE (10% weighting)

  • The ability to, or prior history of, translating leadership, experience and expertise into beneficial activity or positive change in wider society or for the RSE.
  • Success in delivering legislative or policy change outside of the Candidate’s discipline that has contributed to greater societal good.
  • A history of supporting the development and impact of industry associations, standards bodies, etc.
  • Noteworthy contribution to the development of individuals or groups outside of their field or workplace, for example through mentoring or coaching, or by securing funding or resources for beneficial activities.
  • The effective promotion of the value of knowledge, including outreach activities across the RSE’s stakeholder base (e.g. schools, colleges, local and central government, media, the wider public etc).
  • An explicit commitment to expend meaningful time furthering the objectives, reach, impact and awareness of the RSE.

Outstanding achievement (70% weighting)

  • The size or scale of the creative portfolio in terms of:
  • Productions/performances by major theatre/dance companies/orchestras.
  • Exhibitions by public or commercial galleries of national/international significance including commercial.
  • Publication of substantial poetry collections and/or prose fiction/plays.
  • Substantial production/direction of creative work in film, or broadcast media.
  • The originality and creativity of the ideas expressed and the extent to which they challenge conventional thinking.
  • The range of the Candidate’s creative portfolio, from original concept through creation, delivery and generating a long-term impact or influence in national or international society.
  • The reach of the Candidate’s work, in terms of Scotland, UK or international.
  • The significance of the Candidate’s work in relation to existing Ordinary Fellows in the discipline.

Professional recognition (20% weighting)

  • The standing of:
    • The organisations that have commissioned and/or presented the Candidate’s works.
    • The galleries who have promoted a nominated artist.
    • The publishers who are engaging with a nominated author.
    • Record of international production, including with prestigious companies in other parts of the UK.
    • Invitations to speak at major conferences.
    • Membership of prestigious professional bodies.
    • Appointment to senior positions in representative organisations for the field or discipline.
    • Appointment to significant advisory positions to government, business or civil society.
    • Honours, awards, honorary degrees and prizes awarded.
    • Recognition or evidence of an ethical mindset and professional attitude.
    • Success in building strong stakeholder relationships.

Proposed contribution to the RSE (10% weighting)

  • The ability to, or prior history of, translating their creative achievements into beneficial activity or positive change in wider society or for the RSE.
  • Demonstrable experience of enhancing public understanding of, and engagement with, culture and the arts.
  • A history of supporting the development and impact of industry associations, standards bodies, etc.
  • Demonstrable contribution to the success of a non-profit organisation or campaign.
  • Noteworthy contribution to the development of individuals or groups outside of their field or workplace, for example through mentoring or coaching, or by securing funding or resources for beneficial activities.
  • The promotion of the value of knowledge, including research and/or outreach activities across the RSE’s stakeholder base (e.g. schools, colleges, local and central government, media, the wider public etc).
  • An explicit commitment to expend meaningful time furthering the objectives, reach, impact and awareness of the RSE.

See further election information on

  • Election process

    Candidates for RSE Ordinary and International Fellowship are peer-nominated by one existing Fellow and seconded by a further two Fellows. The process runs annually and…

    Read More

  • Guidance for nomination

    Please review the important guidance before beginning to complete the nomination form and other candidate paperwork.

    Read More

  • FAQs for election process

    Before reaching out to the team, check out the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the RSE Fellowship election process.

    Read More