Building Momentum: Why Membership Growth and Community Matter for SIAM Members

SIAM’s 2025 membership story is one of resilience and renewal. After several years of decreased membership numbers due to global challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing steady progress toward pre-pandemic levels. Total SIAM membership rose to 14,190 at the end of last year—up from 12,275 in 2024—with 8,523 nonstudent members and 5,667 student members. These promising numbers represent more than simple growth; they reflect the strength of a community that continues to provide value, opportunity, and connection for those that it serves.

Why should this matter to you as a SIAM member? Membership growth directly impacts the quality and reach of the programs, resources, and networks on which you rely. A larger, more engaged community empowers richer scientific exchange at SIAM conferences, stronger publications, and more robust SIAM activity groups (SIAGs) and sections. Hearty membership numbers mean that when you attend a SIAM meeting, you will encounter a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. They ensure that SIAM can continue to offer travel awards, host career fairs, and promote leadership opportunities that allow students and early-career professionals to thrive. Finally, they solidify SIAM’s position as a strong advocate for applied mathematics, computational science, and data science worldwide — something that benefits every member by elevating the visibility and influence of scientific fields.

Last year’s growth was fueled by initiatives that sought to make membership more accessible and rewarding. For example, SIAM bundled membership with conference registration and offered free memberships to students who participate in SIAM programs, which helped thousands of new individuals join our community. Paid student membership numbers surged to nearly 1,450, while free student membership grew to 4,250. SIAM also welcomed 17 new student chapters and reactivated three others, bringing our global network total to 243 active chapters across 29 countries. These chapters are not just local clubs; they are gateways to collaboration, mentorship, leadership, and career development. Students who join SIAM gain access to specialized webinars, virtual and in-person career fairs, and opportunities to present research at SIAM conferences — experiences that often shape their academic and professional paths.

Regular membership—the backbone of SIAM—also showed encouraging signs of recovery, climbing to 5,888. Early-career membership remains an area of focus at 991 members, and SIAM is committed to supporting early-career researchers with targeted benefits. For instance, SIAM offers discounted membership rates for up to five years after graduation, routinely features junior scientists’ work in SIAM News and SIAM News Online, and has expanded its career resources through SIAM Engage: an online networking platform that facilitates collaboration, event promotion, and professional exchange. These efforts ensure that members at every stage of their careers find value and opportunity within SIAM.

Overall community involvement likewise continues to grow. SIAG memberships rebounded to 14,626, and section membership has increased by more than 50 percent over the past five years. New sections in New England and Northern and Central California are thriving as regional hubs for members to share ideas, promote events, and connect with peers locally and internationally — making SIAM a global community.

Membership growth also allows SIAM to keep costs low for journals and conferences, invest in new initiatives, and provide valuable member benefits. For example, SIAM launched the SIAM Journal on Life Sciences in 2025, which created novel publication and collaboration opportunities for individuals who work at the intersection of mathematics and biology. This journal reflects SIAM’s commitment to support emerging areas of research and provide members with cutting-edge resources. Furthermore, a strong membership base ensures that the 2026 SIAM Annual Meeting (AN26)—which will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, from July 6-10—can offer an even richer program of minisymposia, networking sessions, and career activities. AN26 and other SIAM gatherings are more than conferences; they are occasions to meet collaborators, discover new research directions, and build lasting relationships with peers and colleagues. This includes opportunities for SIAM students to network, present posters, attend career panels and sessions, and more through AN26 “Student Days” activities.

When SIAM grows, every member wins. Growth means that more voices contribute to discussions about the future of applied mathematics, more people can serve as mentors and receive mentorship, and more pathways accelerate innovation. It also allows SIAM to continue to advocate for funding in applied mathematics, support initiatives that include members across all demographic segments, and provide resources that promote member success in academia, industry, and government.

Looking ahead, SIAM is preparing for an exciting 2026. In addition to AN26, members can anticipate expanded SIAG webinar series and additional opportunities to participate in global collaborations through SIAM Engage. SIAM will continue to invest in programs that support students and early-career professionals and help all members make the most of their SIAM experience.

Now that the new year is upon us, we invite you to assist us in sustaining this upward momentum. If you have not yet renewed, please do so today at my.siam.org and consider selecting the auto-renew option for uninterrupted access to benefits. Encourage recent graduates to join SIAM and take advantage of early-career discounts, and nominate current students for free membership — each regular member can nominate two students per year. Most importantly, we urge you to stay connected: join a SIAG, post on SIAM Engage, attend a section meeting, or volunteer for a leadership position. Every action strengthens our community and enhances the value of your membership.

Together, we can ensure that SIAM continues to thrive as a robust global network of applied mathematicians, computational scientists, and data scientists. If you have questions or ideas for engagement, please reach out to the membership team at 
membership@siam.org. Let’s make 2026 a year of even greater growth and connection, both for SIAM and for every member who calls this community home.