The recognition standard
Fellowship of the Association is its highest mark of distinction. It is conferred on a single basis: outstanding achievement in trusted digital systems, judged by senior members of the field on the documented record.
A record of outstanding achievement
Fellowship recognizes outstanding achievements in trusted digital systems, judged by senior members of the field. That is the Association's genuine standard, and it is the only thing Fellowship certifies.
Recognition is nomination-only: a candidate cannot self-apply. A nomination is examined against a published indicator framework, assessed by senior members of the field, and conferred only when at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the Fellowship are to elect. The threshold is structural, not a courtesy.
The indicators organize the record for review: contributions to the field, recognition by the field, and the impact of the work - each open to independent examination by any third party. A candidacy reaches a vote only on the Selection Committee's express finding that the record as a whole demonstrates outstanding achievement.
What Fellowship is not
The precision here matters. Fellowship is a judgment about a body of work, and it is insulated from everything that judgment is not.
Never conferred for
- Length of career or seniority of title alone.
- Formal credentials alone.
- Payment of any kind - Fellowship cannot be purchased.
- Participation in, or service to, the Association.
Structurally separate
Fellowship is distinct from the open Professional Member tier. Professional Membership is admitted by the Membership Office and is a different recognition with a different process; it is never a step toward, or a substitute for, election as a Fellow. The two tiers do not share a ladder.
Independent peers, by design
Two bodies do the judging, and the Association fixes their independence in its bylaws so that no single interest can manufacture a Fellowship.
The Selection Committee puts the candidacy to the Fellowship, which elects by a two-thirds vote. At least two-thirds of its voting members are external to Meret Solutions. The Expert Reviewers are senior members of the field who evaluate each candidate against the indicators; for any one candidate, at least two of the three assigned reviewers are external to Meret Solutions. No Meret Solutions officer signs a credential.
Governance Board
Ratifies the integrity of each election process. Does not re-judge technical merit.
Selection Committee
Administers Fellow elections; the Fellowship elects by a two-thirds vote.
At least two-thirds external to Meret Solutions
Expert Reviewers
Independently evaluate each Fellow candidate against the indicators.
At least 2 of every 3 external per candidate
Membership Office
Admits Professional Members and maintains the register.
Every credential is a verifiable record
A Fellowship credential is not a slogan; it is a record. Each one cites the version of the bylaws in effect at the time of election and the indicators on which the election rested. Anyone can confirm those facts independently rather than taking the holder's word for them.
MATDS is an independent professional association. Recognition decisions are made solely on the evidentiary record.