The SETI Permanent Study Group (SPSG) of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is constantly seeking qualified members with a strong professional or academic background in those fields of the Physical and Social Sciences most closely related to SETI research. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of positive contributions to SETI science. Qualifications for membership, and the process followed for selection of members, are as follows.

1. Prospective members of the IAA SPSG shall be nominated, in writing or via electronic communication, by three or more current and active SPSG members.
2. Nominations may be submitted to the Chair, or any Co-Vice Chair, of the SPSG.
3. For consideration, a nominee must confirm his or her willingness to serve, and to attend SPSG meetings (generally held in conjunction with the annual International Astronautical Congress) on a regular basis.
4. There shall be no membership dues, fees, or charges associated with service on the SPSG.
5. All successful nominees serve as SPSG members at large, and do not represent any particular government, organization, or entity.
6. Membership in the IAA, though desirable, is not a condition of membership on the SPSG.
7. Nominees will be evaluated by a Membership Committee consisting of the Chair and Co-Vice Chairs of the SPSG.
8. Names of those Nominees deemed qualified by the Membership Committee will be submitted to the entire SPSG, for consideration at the next regular SPSG Meeting being held in conjunction with the annual International Astronautical Congress.
9. Nominees will be encouraged to attend the SPSG meeting at which their nominations are being considered, and to present themselves and their qualifications to the entire SPSG membership.
10. After providing all nominees with an opportunity to introduce themselves, the SPSG will enter closed Executive Session, to permit its members to discuss nominees.
11. Prior to adjourning such Executive Session, SPSG members will vote on nominees by show of hands. If any SPSG member so requests, the election of any nominee will be conducted by secret ballot.
12. Those nominees elected to SPSG membership will serve a five-year, renewable term, which shall commence immediately upon election.
13. Renewal of SPSG memberships shall be at the discretion of the Membership Committee, and shall be conditioned upon a member's active participation and reasonable attendance at SPSG meetings during the preceding membership term.
14. These policies shall be reviewed from time to time by the SPSG membership, and may be amended by majority vote of the SPSG membership in attendance at any of its meetings held in conjunction with the annual International Astronautical Congress.