The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2027 is now accepting applications from graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars seeking to conduct independent research using the Smithsonian Institution’s internationally significant collections, facilities, field stations, archives, libraries, laboratories, and expert staff.
Through the program, selected researchers can undertake full-time, primarily in-residence research at an appropriate Smithsonian museum, research institute, center, office, or field station. Depending on the applicant’s academic level and research discipline, financial support ranges from a $10,000 stipend for a ten-week graduate appointment to an annual stipend of up to $65,000 for eligible postdoctoral and senior researchers in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
The Smithsonian welcomes research proposals across the sciences, humanities, history, art, anthropology, environmental studies, materials research, molecular biology, and other disciplines connected to the Institution’s work. Interdisciplinary proposals and projects that broaden or diversify research within Smithsonian fields are particularly encouraged.
Applications for the 2027 cycle must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System by October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2027: Key Details
| Program information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program |
| Application cycle | 2027 |
| Host institution | Smithsonian Institution |
| Research location | Smithsonian museums, research centers, offices, facilities, and field stations |
| Appointment format | Full-time and primarily in residence |
| Eligible academic levels | Graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior |
| Graduate student stipend | $10,000 for ten weeks |
| Predoctoral stipend | $45,000 per year |
| Postdoctoral stipend | $60,000 per year |
| Senior researcher stipend | $60,000 per year |
| Earth and Planetary Sciences stipend | $65,000 per year for eligible postdoctoral and senior appointments |
| Research allowance | Up to $5,000 per year for eligible predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers |
| Application deadline | October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Decision notification | Through SOLAA in mid-March |
| Appointment starting period | June 1, 2027, through May 30, 2028 |
| Application platform | Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System |
| Official program page | Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program |
About the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program supports independent research and advanced study directly connected to the Smithsonian’s collections, research interests, facilities, and professional expertise.
The program is administered by the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. Successful applicants work with Smithsonian research professionals who serve as principal advisors, hosts, co-advisors, or consultants during the appointment.
A successful proposal must do more than describe an interesting academic topic. Applicants must demonstrate why the Smithsonian is the appropriate institution for the proposed work. This ordinarily requires identifying specific Smithsonian collections, archives, laboratories, equipment, field stations, library resources, research programs, or staff expertise that are essential to the project.
Researchers are expected to spend most of the appointment at the Smithsonian. Approved fieldwork or research travel may form part of the project where justified, but the program is fundamentally designed as an in-residence research experience.
Research Areas Supported by the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program accepts proposals connected to disciplines actively pursued across the Institution. Applications of an interdisciplinary nature are also encouraged.
Supported research areas include:
- Animal behavior
- Ecology and environmental science, with particular interest in tropical research
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Cultural anthropology
- Linguistics
- Physical and biological anthropology
- Astrophysics and astronomy
- Earth sciences
- Paleobiology
- Evolutionary biology
- Systematic biology
- Folklife and cultural heritage
- History of science and technology
- History of art
- American art
- Contemporary art
- African art
- Asian art
- Twentieth-century American crafts
- Decorative arts
- Materials research
- Molecular biology
- Social and cultural history of the United States
Applicants should consult the Smithsonian’s official Fields of Research information and the publication titled Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study before selecting a host unit or proposed advisor.
Researchers who intend to work specifically at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory should review that observatory’s separate procedures because its application requirements and deadlines may differ from the central program.
Fellowship Levels, Duration, and Financial Support
The appropriate application level depends on the applicant’s academic status and the date on which the qualifying degree was or will be completed.
Ten-Week Graduate Student Appointment
This option is intended for students who are formally enrolled in a graduate degree program but have not yet advanced to doctoral candidacy.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a graduate program at a degree-granting institution when applying.
- Remain enrolled when the Smithsonian appointment begins.
- Have completed at least one full-time semester, or its equivalent, before the appointment starts.
- Not yet have advanced to doctoral candidacy if enrolled in a doctoral program.
Master’s students and eligible early-stage doctoral students may apply.
The appointment lasts ten weeks and provides a stipend of $10,000. Graduate student recipients are not eligible for the separate research allowance and should not submit a research budget justification.
Predoctoral Appointment
The predoctoral option is intended for doctoral candidates who need to conduct research for their dissertations.
By the time the appointment begins, the applicant’s university must:
- Approve the proposed dissertation research at the Smithsonian.
- Confirm that the applicant has satisfied all doctoral requirements other than completion of the dissertation.
- Recognize the applicant as a candidate for a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree.
Predoctoral appointments normally last between three and twelve months.
The stipend is $45,000 per year, prorated when an appointment is shorter than twelve months. Eligible applicants may also request a research allowance of up to $5,000 per year, subject to approval of the proposed budget and justification.
Postdoctoral Appointment
Applicants must complete their doctorate or equivalent degree before the Smithsonian appointment begins. A person who is still completing a doctorate at the time of application may apply if all degree requirements will be completed before the proposed starting date.
Postdoctoral appointments ordinarily last between three and twelve months. Postdoctoral applicants working in science may request an appointment of up to 24 months, subject to program approval and available funding.
The standard stipend is $60,000 per year. Eligible postdoctoral researchers in Earth and Planetary Sciences may receive $65,000 per year.
A research allowance of up to $5,000 per year may also be requested. Stipends and research allowances are prorated where applicable.
Senior Researcher Appointment
Senior applicants must have held a PhD or equivalent qualification for at least five years. For the current cycle, applicants who received their qualifying degree before October 15, 2021, fall within the senior category.
The standard senior stipend is $60,000 per year. Eligible senior researchers in Earth and Planetary Sciences may receive $65,000 per year.
Senior appointments are generally offered for periods of three to twelve months, with a possible research allowance of up to $5,000 per year.
Researchers who are five or more years beyond their doctorate but experienced a substantial leave of absence from research may request consideration under the postdoctoral category. They must explain the circumstances in the additional-information section of the application.
Summary of Stipends and Allowances
| Appointment level | Usual duration | Stipend | Research allowance |
| Graduate student | 10 weeks | $10,000 | Not available |
| Predoctoral | 3–12 months | $45,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Postdoctoral | Generally 3–12 months | $60,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Science postdoctoral | Up to 24 months where approved | $60,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Earth and Planetary Sciences postdoctoral | Subject to approved term | $65,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Senior | Generally 3–12 months | $60,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Earth and Planetary Sciences senior | Generally 3–12 months | $65,000 per year | Up to $5,000 per year |
The maximum figures should not be interpreted as automatic entitlements. Research allowances are determined according to the proposed budget, justification, available funding, and the needs of the research project.
Research and Relocation Support
Eligible predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior applicants may request up to $5,000 per year for research-related expenses. The proposed costs must be necessary for completing the research and clearly explained in the budget justification.
Potentially eligible expenses may include:
- Research equipment
- Essential supplies and materials
- Research-related travel
- Specialized services required for the project
- Other justified research costs
The research budget must not include the applicant’s stipend, temporary relocation expenses, or the cost of directly hiring personnel. If a project requires more than the maximum research allowance, the applicant must identify the expected source of the additional funding.
Separate support for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian may be available. Applicants should not place relocation expenses in the research allowance budget.
The Smithsonian does not provide funding for the travel or living expenses of a fellow’s dependants.
All Smithsonian fellowship funds, including stipends and any research or travel allowances, may be subject to taxation. The stipend is intended to support research and study; it is not classified as salary or employment compensation.
Academic and General Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements for each appointment level, applicants must satisfy the following general conditions:
- The proposed project must fall within a research discipline pursued at the Smithsonian.
- The application must contain a specific and detailed research proposal.
- The applicant must explain why Smithsonian resources and expertise are necessary for the research.
- The applicant must be able to carry out full-time research during the proposed appointment.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to write and communicate fluently in English.
- Every application document must be submitted in English.
- Academic records issued in another language must be accompanied by English translations.
- Past and current Smithsonian fellowship recipients may apply for another award.
- Former Smithsonian employees or contractors must ordinarily complete one full year of separation before applying.
- A current Smithsonian employee or contractor cannot simultaneously hold a fellowship without prior approval from the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.
The Smithsonian states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age where legally protected, disability, genetic information, parental status, or military service.
Finding a Smithsonian Advisor and Host Unit
Identifying an appropriate Smithsonian advisor is one of the most important parts of the application process.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors before submitting their applications. Early communication can help determine:
- Whether the proposed research is feasible at the Smithsonian.
- Whether the required collections, archives, library materials, laboratories, equipment, data, or facilities will be available.
- Whether the proposed advisor will be in residence during the intended appointment period.
- Whether the research timeline is realistic.
- Whether additional permissions will be required.
- Which Smithsonian unit should be selected in SOLAA.
The Smithsonian’s Opportunities for Research and Study publication lists research staff, educational backgrounds, specializations, and departmental research interests.
Smithsonian research staff may serve as principal advisors, co-advisors, or consultants. Conservation staff may serve as principal advisors for conservation projects or as co-advisors and consultants. Affiliated research staff may normally serve as co-advisors or consultants when they will be present for a substantial portion of the proposed appointment.
The host unit must be the unit of the proposed principal advisor. This unit must also match the “preferred unit” entered in the SOLAA application. If the proposed advisor later becomes unavailable, the Smithsonian may assign another advisor within the selected host unit.
Contacting an advisor does not guarantee selection. However, a proposal is likely to be stronger when it demonstrates that the applicant has investigated the availability of the relevant Smithsonian expertise and resources.
Conditions of the Research Appointment
Selected researchers must devote full-time effort to the approved project. Fellows are expected to remain in residence at the Smithsonian except during authorized fieldwork, research travel, or other approved absences.
Appointments for the 2027 cycle must begin between June 1, 2027, and May 30, 2028. The start date must fall on either the first or third Monday of a month.
Before proposing dates, applicants should consider:
- Their academic calendar
- Preliminary examinations
- Coursework requirements
- Dissertation or degree-completion schedules
- Availability of the proposed Smithsonian advisor
- Availability of collections, laboratories, equipment, and facilities
- Time required for visas or relocation
- Any scheduled fieldwork or research travel
Applicants should agree on the proposed dates with their prospective principal advisor before submission.
Researchers may receive additional financial support from other sources for matters such as equipment or research travel, provided that the additional funding does not impose duties that interfere with the full-time Smithsonian appointment. Written approval is required before accepting additional stipend support.
Submitting an application does not legally oblige a successful candidate to accept the appointment.
Facilities and Research Resources Available to Fellows
Selected fellows are generally provided with research space in the Smithsonian department or unit where they are based. The exact level of administrative, technical, equipment, and support services depends on the host department’s capacity and policies.
Applicants should discuss their requirements with the proposed advisor before applying, especially where the project depends on specialized equipment, laboratories, collection access, data, imaging facilities, or other limited resources.
Fellows can also receive access to Smithsonian Libraries and Archives services, including:
- Library borrowing privileges
- Interlibrary loans
- Document delivery
- Database searches
- Reference assistance
- Specialized research collections
Access to particular collections, specimens, archives, datasets, equipment, or restricted materials may require additional permission.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by scholars working in appropriate fields. Selection is based primarily on the quality and feasibility of the proposed research rather than on the applicant’s financial need.
Reviewers consider:
- Scholarly merit of the proposal: The project should address an important question and make a meaningful contribution to its discipline.
- Applicant’s ability: The applicant’s education, research experience, publications, achievements, and previous work should demonstrate the ability to complete the project.
- Feasibility: The methodology, timeline, resources, and proposed duration should be realistic.
- Smithsonian relevance: The application must clearly establish how Smithsonian collections, facilities, staff expertise, archives, laboratories, or other resources will contribute to the research.
- Potential contribution to professional goals: Reviewers consider how the appointment would support the applicant’s development and broader scholarly objectives.
The number of appointments offered each year depends on the availability of program funding. Meeting the basic eligibility criteria therefore does not guarantee selection.
Documents Required for the Application
Application documents must be uploaded individually through SOLAA. Supported formats include BMP, DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, TIF, TIFF, TXT, XLS, and XLSX. Each uploaded file is subject to a 3 MB limit.
1. Research Abstract
Applicants must submit an abstract that:
- Does not exceed one page.
- Is double-spaced.
- Clearly summarizes the proposed research.
- Identifies the main question, approach, Smithsonian connection, and expected significance.
2. Full Research Proposal
The research proposal must not exceed six double-spaced pages. The six-page limit includes tables, figures, and images but excludes the separate abstract and bibliography.
The proposal should:
- Use pages approximately 8.5 by 11 inches or 210 by 297 millimetres.
- Have margins of at least one inch.
- Use a font size of at least 11 points.
- Describe the proposed research in detail.
- Explain the methodology.
- Discuss the importance of the research to the wider discipline.
- Explain how the project supports the applicant’s scholarly goals.
- Justify why the research must be conducted at the Smithsonian.
- Identify the Smithsonian resources that will be used.
- Identify the proposed principal advisor and any co-advisors or consultants.
- Address required permissions for collections or facilities outside the advisor’s unit.
3. Research Timeline
The timeline should divide the proposed appointment into clear research phases and explain the expected period required for each phase.
Applicants requesting a two-year science postdoctoral appointment must provide a timeline covering the complete proposed period.
4. Budget and Budget Justification
Applicants requesting a research allowance must provide an itemized budget and explain why each cost is necessary.
The budget may cover equipment, supplies, research-related travel, and other direct research support. It must not include stipend costs, relocation expenses, or funding for direct hires.
Graduate student applicants should not submit a research budget because the ten-week graduate appointment does not include a research allowance.
5. Bibliography
Applicants must provide a bibliography of literature relevant to the proposed project. It should demonstrate familiarity with the existing scholarship and position the proposed research within its academic field.
6. Curriculum Vitae
The CV must:
- Be current.
- Not exceed four pages.
- Include relevant education and research experience.
- Identify previous and current fellowships, grants, awards, publications, and professional accomplishments.
- Explain the applicant’s level of English reading, writing, and speaking proficiency if English is not their native language.
7. Academic Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Applicants may upload up to three transcript files, with each file subject to the 3 MB limit.
Transcript requirements differ by level:
- Graduate student applicants must provide undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- Predoctoral applicants must provide graduate transcripts.
- Postdoctoral applicants must provide graduate transcripts.
- Senior applicants are not required to submit transcripts.
- Documents issued in languages other than English must be accompanied by translations.
8. Two Academic or Professional References
Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of two people familiar with their research abilities and academic or professional work.
The proposed Smithsonian advisor, co-advisor, or consultant should not be used as a referee.
SOLAA sends an electronic request to each referee. Applicants may send these requests before completing the rest of the application. Referees cannot view the candidate’s application.
References should preferably be submitted by the application deadline. SOLAA may accept a reference after the deadline, but there is no guarantee that a late letter will reach reviewers before the evaluation begins. Applicants should monitor their accounts and follow up with referees whose letters remain outstanding.
Additional Requirements for Research With Indigenous Communities
Applicants proposing work involving Indigenous communities should explain:
- The current status of consultation or collaboration.
- The appropriate community contacts.
- How the research will respect relevant rights holders and knowledge holders.
- How findings will be communicated or shared with the participating communities.
A letter of approval or endorsement from a tribal community, community representative, knowledge holder, artist, or other appropriate rights holder can strengthen the application and may be submitted as an additional reference.
How to Apply for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2027
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System.
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Create or access a SOLAA account.
- Complete the required general profile information.
- Select “Fellowship” as the appointment type.
- Select the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.
- Locate the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program.
- Enter 2027 as the application cycle.
- Select the correct academic level: graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior.
- Select the preferred Smithsonian unit that corresponds to the proposed principal advisor.
- Upload every required document as an individual file.
- Enter the names and email addresses of two referees.
- Send the reference requests through SOLAA.
- Review the application for completeness, accuracy, formatting, and file-size compliance.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline.
- Continue monitoring SOLAA to confirm whether the reference letters have been received.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to upload documents. Technical problems, oversized files, formatting issues, and incomplete reference information could prevent timely submission.
Application Deadline
The deadline is:
October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Applicants must enter 2027 as the cycle year in SOLAA. The deadline is stated in Eastern Time, so international applicants should carefully confirm the corresponding date and time in their own country.
The Smithsonian expects to communicate decisions through SOLAA in mid-March. Successful appointments must begin between June 1, 2027, and May 30, 2028.
Practical Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
A strong application should establish a direct and convincing connection between the proposed project and the Smithsonian.
Applicants should:
- Contact a potential advisor well before the deadline.
- Identify the precise collections, facilities, archives, laboratories, datasets, field stations, or staff expertise required.
- Avoid presenting a generic proposal that could be completed equally well at any institution.
- Explain the project’s wider scholarly importance.
- Use a realistic methodology and timeline.
- Match the proposed duration to the amount of work required.
- Follow every page, margin, font, format, and file-size requirement.
- Obtain any necessary preliminary permissions.
- Select referees who can evaluate the applicant’s research ability in detail.
- Give referees sufficient time to prepare strong letters.
- Ensure the preferred Smithsonian unit matches the principal advisor’s unit.
- Present a proportionate, itemized, and well-justified research budget.
- Submit the application early enough to correct any technical problems.
Applicants should also prepare every part of the submission in their own words. The Smithsonian treats plagiarism in applications seriously and may disqualify a candidate if copied or improperly attributed work is identified.
Contact Information
Questions about the application may be directed to:
Office of Academic Appointments and Internships
Email: InternsAndFellows@si.edu
Official information: Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program
Application portal: Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System
Conclusion
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2027 offers a significant opportunity for researchers to undertake independent, full-time work within one of the world’s most extensive networks of museums, laboratories, research centers, archives, libraries, and field stations.
With appointments available for graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and established senior researchers, the program supports projects across the natural sciences, social sciences, history, anthropology, art, culture, environmental research, and numerous interdisciplinary fields.
Financial support includes stipends ranging from $10,000 for a ten-week graduate appointment to as much as $65,000 per year for eligible Earth and Planetary Sciences researchers. Qualified applicants may also request research and temporary relocation support.
A competitive application must clearly explain not only what the applicant intends to study, but why the Smithsonian’s particular collections, facilities, resources, and professional expertise are essential to the project. Candidates should identify and contact a potential advisor early, develop a focused and feasible proposal, and submit all documents through SOLAA before October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
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