The Beginnings
In 1967, AASP for the “American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists” was established by a group of 32 founding members to promote the science of palynology.
The society quickly grew into an international association that combines all palynological interests, irrespective of temporal, geographical focus or application.
As a result, the society was renamed in 2008 as “AASP – The Palynological Society” to reflect the society’s promotion of all aspects of palynology.
Today
AASP – The Palynological Society has a world-wide membership of about 200 members and is run by an executive including an elected Board of Directors and subsidiary committees. The Board of Directors meets at the Annual Meetings and at mid-yearly meetings. read more about the current officers and their duties
Benefits
All members of The Palynological Society receive Palynology (either hardcopy, online or both), which is published in four issues per year. Retired members have the option not to receive Palynology. In addition, members receive the AASP-TPS Newsletter, which is also published four times a year.
AASP-TPS organizes Annual Meetings (either on its own, or with other specialized societies such as SA, TMS, CIMP, IFPS/IPC, featuring technical sessions where talks and posters are presented on all aspects of palynology. Registration fees are reduced for AASP-TPS members. The meetings include the society business luncheon, optional fiedl trips and social events, especially some tailored to networking and mentoring of early career researchers.
AASP-TPS is complemented by the AASP Foundation (charity), which supports education and publications on palynology. The Contributions Series (mostly monographs which are issued irregularly) the AASP Foundation distributes books and other miscellaneous items.
AASP – The Palynological Society (AASP-TPS) welcomes new members – anyone with an interest in the science of palynology may join.
Join The Palynological Society
Awards
AASP-TPS annually gives student awards. To promote the study of and exchange on palynology, The Palynological Society provides student research awards, and student travel awards to present research results at international conferences. On top of that, The Palynological Society hands out the best presentation and best poster award at their Annual Meetings (with cash prize and free membership). read more about society awards and how to apply for them
Cenex – Center for Excellence in Palynology
In 1990, AASP endowed the Center of Excellence in Paleopalynology (CENEX) in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Louisiana State University, CENEX houses an extensive collection of reprints and palynological slides. read more about Cenex
Affiliations
AASP-TPS is an associated society of the Geological Society of America (GSA), and a member organization of the American Geological Institute (AGI). Like other palynological societies, AASP-TPS is a member of the umbrella association “Internation Federation of Palynological Societies” (IFPS). Recently, Jim Riding, our Managing Editor of Palynology was elected president of IFPS.