The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program offers in-resident opportunities for independent research or study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or research interests of the Institution and its staff. Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct independent research and to utilize the resources of the Institution with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serving as advisors and hosts. These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, and are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq.
Scholarship Details
- In-residence research fellowships across multiple academic and scientific fields
- Opportunities for graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers
- Fellows work with Smithsonian staff and utilize Smithsonian collections and facilities
- Administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships
- Research fields include anthropology, astrophysics, art history, environmental science, evolutionary biology, folklore, materials research, molecular biology, and more
Eligibility Criteria
- Ten Week Graduate Student Fellowships available to master’s and graduate-level students enrolled in a degree-granting institution with at least one full-time semester completed
- Predoctoral Fellowships available to Ph.D. candidates approved by their university to conduct dissertation research at the Smithsonian and who have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation
- Postdoctoral Fellowships available to scholars up to five years beyond completion of the Ph.D.
- Senior Fellowships available to applicants who earned a Ph.D. or equivalent at least five years prior to the application deadline
- Predoctoral students may apply for postdoctoral fellowships if they will meet requirements by the start date
Application Process
- Review fellowship categories and determine the appropriate program based on academic level and experience
- Identify a research area aligned with Smithsonian resources and staff expertise
- Prepare required application materials, which typically include a research proposal, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation
- Confirm any additional requirements if applying to conduct research at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
- Submit the completed application through the Smithsonian fellowship portal by the stated deadline
The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, parental status, or military service.
