fellows

Fellows is a title used in many institutions to designate members of a fellowship or scholars admitted to membership in a learned society, college, or professional association. The idea behind the term is that a fellow is a partner in a common scholarly or professional enterprise. In universities, a fellow may be a senior member of a college who participates in governance, teaching, and administration, or a holder of a research appointment funded by a fellowship. In general usage, a fellow can also refer to a member elected for achievement or contribution to a field.

Fellows are often elected by peers based on distinctive contributions to their discipline. Some fellowships provide funding for research or study, sometimes for a fixed term, while others confer ongoing membership or recognition for life. Examples include Fellows of the Royal Society in the United Kingdom and Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the United States. Many institutions distinguish categories such as junior fellows, senior fellows, or visiting fellows, reflecting varying levels of responsibility and commitment.

Outside academia, the term is used in professional and philanthropic organizations to denote high standing or membership in a learned or professional community. In these contexts, being named a Fellow may entail participation in governance, mentorship, or adjudication of awards and grants. The word is related but distinct from fellowship, which more often refers to a grant, stipend, or program funding, rather than the status of membership itself.