MINERALOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: WHAT MSA OFFERS FOR EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS

The Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) is a 103-year-old scientific society of approximately 2,000 members. While MSA’s mission is to promote the study of mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and crystallography to all, in recent years the organization has taken steps to meet the needs of its Early Career Members. There is now an Early Career membership category at a reduced rate from regular Membership. Early Career Members receive Elements magazine six times a year, online access to American Mineralogist, are listed in the Member Directory, and get discounts on MSA’s publications and Short Course registrations.

By a recent vote by the MSA Council, the organization is now planning an Early Career Network. The network will be open to Early Career Members as well as student members. It will have its own listserv, as well as opportunities to present research findings in person and virtually. A dedicated online moderated platform for this group is under discussion, as is a mentorship program. A recent survey of MSA's academic members, and a second survey of MSA's student members, showed strong support for a mentorship program.