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Become a member

Are you ready to join? Please see the membership form below to know more about the detailed membership criteria.

 

Read the Instructions which start on page 3 of the Membership Nomination form for more information.

Phi Tau Sigma (ΦΤΣ) — The Honor Society of Food Science and Technology — offers its members many opportunities for professional growth and development. Founded in 1953, the organization functions to fulfill five key objectives:

  1. Recognize and honor academic and professional achievements of students and professionals in Food Science, the food industry and the affiliated sciences and industries,

  2. Encourage the application of fundamental scientific principles to Food Science and Technology in each of its branches,

  3. Foster the exchange of scientific insights and knowledge through meetings, lectures and publications,

  4. Establish and maintain a network of students and professionals with shared interests, and

  5. Promote scientific, literary, educational and charitable programs.

Nomination and selection to Phi Tau Sigma is testament to the scientific excellence and integrity of the inductee. Membership in the Society offers them access to enduring career connections and to a community devoted to leadership in the field of Food Science and Technology. The values of Phi Tau Sigma (academic excellence, leadership and professional achievement) provide members with a competitive advantage that may open doors in their career paths.

Partners and supporters of Phi Tau Sigma may connect with the best and brightest talent in the field as well as the leaders in higher education, associations, industry and government agencies. Additionally, partners may sponsor Society events, awards and scholarships.

Advantages of membership in Phi Tau Sigma

Through the honor of selective induction, Phi Tau Sigma members join a community of scientists representing academia, industry, associations and government who pursue and foster excellence in the field of Food Science and Technology. The member benefits include:

  1. Recognition of outstanding academic and professional achievement which is noteworthy on a resume and curriculum vitae,

  2. Opportunity to participate and contribute to Chapter and Society programming and activities to benefit the food science industry and the community,

  3. Eligibility for awards and scholarships ($1000 – $2000 each),

  4. Leadership development by serving as an elected official or through committee appointments at the Chapter or national levels,

  5. Academic and professional networking opportunities with leaders in the field,

  6. Opportunities to mentor rising talent.

  7. Connecting with members from academia, industry, and government, both domestically and internationally via the monthly Newsletter and our social media. This includes:

    1.  Feature stories about your research, your career, your honors, or your lifetime achievements in the monthly Newsletter and our social media.

    2. University Chapters hosting meetings and social events for their member

    3. Meeting other Phi Tau Sigma members during the Networking Dinner

  8. Feature stories about your research, your career or your lifetime achievements in the monthly Newsletter

    1. University Chapters hosting meetings and social events for their member

    2. Society-hosted symposia during the IFT Annual Event and Expo, as well as the Phi Tau Sigma and IFT Division Competition Awards Ceremony

  9. Connecting with members from academia, industry, and government, both domestically and internationally via the monthly Newsletter.

“The very best aspects of Phi Tau Sigma are that it provides a forum to simultaneously recognize the next generation of those who are similarly committed to the discipline while ensuring that these wonderful young people are networked with those who have made life-long contributions to the field. Phi Tau Sigma contributes to the continuity and evolution of our discipline.”

Kathryn Boor, Ph.D. The Ronald P. Lynch Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University and Phi Tau Sigma Lifetime Member.

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Endorsements

Through this Chapter, I was not only able to network with food scientists around the world, but I was able to meet exceptional food science students at Clemson University. In addition to networking and activities, I was granted several awards. I participate at the national level, as an Alternative At Large Councilor, member of the Newsletter Committee, and the Chair of the Chapter Affairs Committee. I am now able to meet other food scientists and assist in the enhancement of this prominent organization. As a recent graduate, I was able to speak with many of my esteemed colleagues about prospective positions. I feel fortunate to have been involved in this organization and I look forward to continuing involvement as I begin my food science career.


Emily Steinberg, Ph.D.
Technologist
Campbell Soup Company

One word. People. Being a member of Phi Tau Sigma allows me to make new acquaintances, keep in touch with long-time friends and have the opportunity to influence our future leaders. It’s all about the PEOPLE! The IFT programs, Phi Tau Sigma Newsletters, and other aspects of membership are bonuses that are very much appreciated and valued.


H. Russell Cross, Ph.D.
Professor and Head Department of Animal Science
Texas A&M University
Lifetime Member of Phi Tau Sigma

Phi Tau Sigma membership is an honor, a signification that you are part of special group in the good science arena. It is also a duty to give back to the profession that has given so much to so many. It is a source of pride to be associated with a discipline that has provided mankind with a safe basic need at an afford price for so long.


W. Benjy Mikel, Ph.D.
Director of Technical Services, BlendPak, Inc.
President Elect and Lifetime Member of Phi Tau Sigma

As a student member of Phi Tau Sigma, I feel proud to be part of this Honor Society. It gives me an opportunity to interact with network with food science professionals who are passionate about what they do. I am able to learn so much more being a part of this Society, and this helps me appreciate areas of food science that are outside my area of expertise.


Vaishnavi Chandrasekaran
Department of Food Science

The Pennsylvania State University

The food science profession is exceptional as it is a network of great people. Food manufacture is one of the largest industries in the world but those who set the course for our field are a small and friendly cohort. Many of them are here in Phi Tau Sigma. Several other professional societies and trade associations bring foodies together to do academic, regulatory or industrial business, but none inspire integrity, stature and honors, as does Phi Tau Sigma. 


Ken Lee, Ph.D.
Director for OSU Food Innovation
The Ohio State University
2011-2012 President and Lifetime Member of Phi Tau Sigma

Membership Pricing

Nomination Fee – Student $20

Nomination Fee – Professional $40

 

And

 

Annual Dues – Student $20

Annual Dues – Professional $40

Annual Dues – Professional $40 – Automatic annual credit card charge

Lifetime Member $400 (just once) (available to students and professionals)

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