The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 offers an exciting research opportunity for doctoral candidates enrolled at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities to undertake dissertation-related research at the Smithsonian Institution. The fellowship is designed for advanced doctoral students who have completed their coursework, have been admitted to doctoral candidacy, and have fulfilled all degree requirements except the completion of their dissertation. Selected fellows can conduct research and scholarship at the Smithsonian under the guidance of an appropriate Smithsonian adviser, with the goal of strengthening and advancing their doctoral thesis. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, along with a research allowance of up to $5,000 per year. Fellowship appointments can last from 3 to 12 months, with stipends prorated for periods shorter than one year. Applications for the 2026 competition must be submitted by October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program application system.
Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 Overview
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship brings together doctoral research communities from participating Big Ten universities and the Smithsonian Institution.
The program is intended to help advanced doctoral candidates access Smithsonian research resources, collections, expertise and scholarly networks that can contribute substantially to their dissertation research.
Key details at a glance
- Program: Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship
- Host institution: Smithsonian Institution
- Participating universities: Big Ten Academic Alliance member institutions
- Duration: 3 to 12 months
- Stipend: $45,000 per year
- Research allowance: Up to $5,000 per year
- Application deadline: October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Eligible applicants: Currently enrolled doctoral candidates at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities
- Citizenship: Open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens
- Application language: English
- Application platform: Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
What Is the Big Ten Academic Alliance?
The Big Ten Academic Alliance is a consortium of research universities that was established in 1958.
The alliance enables its member institutions to collaborate on academic and administrative initiatives designed to strengthen their educational and research missions. Through collaboration, the universities share expertise, leverage resources and create opportunities for students and faculty.
The alliance also seeks to support initiatives that contribute to the broader common good by encouraging collaboration and innovation across its member institutions.
The Smithsonian Fellowship is one example of this collaborative approach, providing eligible doctoral candidates with an opportunity to conduct research within the Smithsonian environment while advancing their dissertation work.
Universities Participating in the Program
The current Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions participating in the fellowship include:
- University of Illinois
- Indiana University
- University of Iowa
- University of Maryland
- University of Michigan
- University of Oregon
- University of Washington
- Michigan State University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Northwestern University
- Ohio State University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Pennsylvania State University
- Purdue University
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Southern California
- University of Chicago
The University of Chicago participates in the program as an affiliate.
Students should verify their university’s current participation and consult their campus Big Ten Academic Alliance fellowship contact before preparing an application.
Purpose of the Smithsonian Fellowship
The primary purpose of the program is to support advanced doctoral research.
The fellowship targets students who have reached a particularly important stage of their doctoral programs: they have completed their coursework and advanced to doctoral candidacy, but have not yet completed their dissertation.
At this stage, access to specialised research collections, laboratories, archives, experts and other academic resources can be extremely valuable.
The program allows eligible doctoral candidates to identify an appropriate adviser at the Smithsonian and conduct research or scholarship that contributes to the development and completion of their dissertation.
Rather than being a general graduate scholarship, the fellowship is therefore closely connected to a candidate’s existing doctoral research.
Research Areas Covered by the Fellowship
Applicants must propose research that will be conducted at the Smithsonian in an eligible research area.
The program covers a broad range of disciplines, allowing doctoral candidates from different academic backgrounds to develop research projects that align with Smithsonian expertise and resources.
Eligible areas include:
1. Animal Behavior, Ecology and Environmental Science
Research can focus on animal behavior, ecology and environmental science, including research with an emphasis on tropical environments.
This area may be particularly relevant to doctoral candidates researching biodiversity, ecosystems, species behavior, environmental change and related scientific questions.
2. Anthropology
The fellowship supports research in anthropology, including:
- Archaeology
- Cultural anthropology
- Linguistics
- Physical anthropology
Doctoral candidates conducting research involving human societies, cultures, languages, archaeological evidence or human biological variation may find this research area particularly relevant.
3. Earth Sciences and Paleobiology
Applicants can also propose research involving Earth sciences and paleobiology.
This area provides opportunities for researchers whose doctoral work focuses on Earth’s history, geological processes, fossils, ancient life and related scientific questions.
4. Evolutionary and Systematic Biology
The program supports research in evolutionary and systematic biology.
This may include doctoral research focused on evolutionary relationships, biological diversity, classification and the study of organisms and their development over time.
5. Folklife
Folklife is another eligible area of research.
Doctoral candidates whose work examines cultural traditions, everyday practices, community knowledge and related forms of cultural expression may be able to develop research projects within this area.
6. History of Science and Technology
Research concerning the history of science and technology is also eligible.
This may be relevant to doctoral candidates studying the development of scientific knowledge, technological change, scientific institutions, inventions and the relationship between science, technology and society.
7. History of Art
The fellowship supports history of art research, with particular emphasis on areas including:
- American art
- Contemporary art
- African art
- Asian art
- Twentieth-century American crafts
- Decorative arts
Doctoral candidates whose dissertations involve art history or related scholarly research may benefit from access to Smithsonian collections, expertise and resources.
8. Materials Research
Materials research is included among the eligible research areas.
This provides opportunities for doctoral candidates whose research involves the study, properties, development or application of materials.
9. Molecular Biology
The fellowship also supports molecular biology research.
This can be relevant to doctoral research involving biological molecules, cellular processes, genetics and related areas of molecular science.
10. Social and Cultural History of the United States
Applicants can also propose research focused on the social and cultural history of the United States.
This may include research examining American communities, social developments, cultural change, historical experiences and other aspects of the country’s social and cultural development.
Who Is Eligible for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship?
Eligibility is relatively specific because this fellowship is intended for doctoral candidates enrolled at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.
Applicants must be currently enrolled at one of the eligible Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities.
In addition, candidates must satisfy specific doctoral-stage requirements.
Doctoral requirements
By the time the fellowship appointment begins, applicants must have:
- Completed all coursework required for their doctoral program.
- Been admitted to doctoral candidacy.
- Satisfied all doctoral requirements except completion of the dissertation.
This means the fellowship is designed for advanced doctoral candidates who are already at the dissertation stage rather than students who are just beginning their doctoral programs.
Citizenship and Nationality Eligibility
The fellowship is open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.
Therefore, citizenship does not appear to be restricted to applicants from the United States.
However, applicants must still meet the central institutional eligibility requirement: they must be currently enrolled at one of the participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities and satisfy the doctoral candidacy and coursework requirements.
For international doctoral candidates, this is an important distinction. Being a non-U.S. citizen does not automatically prevent participation, provided the applicant meets the program’s other eligibility conditions.
English Language Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English are expected to have the ability to write and converse fluently in English.
All application materials must be presented in English.
International applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate that they can effectively communicate their research, academic qualifications and proposed work in written and spoken English.
Finding a Smithsonian Adviser
An important element of the fellowship is identifying an appropriate adviser at the Smithsonian.
The doctoral candidate’s research proposal should be compatible with the research expertise and resources available at the Smithsonian.
Applicants should therefore carefully consider which Smithsonian researcher, curator, scientist, scholar or relevant specialist may be an appropriate adviser for their proposed research.
A strong alignment between the candidate’s dissertation project and available Smithsonian expertise can be an important part of developing a compelling research proposal.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship appointment can last from 3 to 12 months.
This flexibility allows doctoral candidates to structure the fellowship period around their research requirements.
A candidate may need a shorter appointment for a specific research project, collection-based investigation or period of specialised work, while another candidate may benefit from a longer appointment to conduct extensive dissertation research.
For appointments lasting less than 12 months, the fellowship stipend is prorated.
Fellowship Stipend and Research Allowance
The financial support provided through the program consists of two major components.
$45,000 annual stipend
Fellows receive a stipend of $45,000 per year.
For fellowship appointments shorter than 12 months, the stipend is prorated according to the length of the appointment.
For example, a fellow appointed for only part of the year would not receive the full annual amount; the amount would be adjusted based on the fellowship period.
Up to $5,000 research allowance
In addition to the stipend, fellows can receive a research allowance of up to $5,000 per year.
This additional funding can provide support for eligible research-related expenses associated with carrying out the proposed scholarly work.
Applicants should consult the official program guidelines for the precise rules governing allowable research expenses.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable for Doctoral Researchers
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship can be particularly valuable for doctoral candidates whose dissertation research would benefit from Smithsonian expertise, collections or research facilities.
Some of the potential advantages include:
Access to a major research environment
The Smithsonian is a globally recognised research and cultural institution with extensive collections, expertise and scholarly resources.
Conducting dissertation research within this environment can provide doctoral candidates with access to resources that may not be readily available at their home institution.
Dedicated time for dissertation research
The fellowship provides an opportunity for advanced doctoral candidates to devote a defined period to their research.
Having a fellowship appointment can help candidates focus on completing important stages of their dissertation work.
Research collaboration and mentorship
Working with an appropriate Smithsonian adviser can provide specialised academic guidance and create opportunities for collaboration.
This can be especially useful when a dissertation requires expertise that complements the candidate’s university-based supervision.
Financial support
The $45,000 annual stipend provides substantial financial support during the fellowship period.
The additional research allowance of up to $5,000 per year can further support eligible research activities.
Interdisciplinary research opportunities
The wide range of eligible research fields makes the program relevant to doctoral candidates working across science, humanities, social sciences, anthropology, environmental research, art history and other disciplines.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Although meeting the eligibility requirements is essential, candidates should also focus on developing a clear and well-supported application.
A strong application should clearly demonstrate the connection between the applicant’s doctoral research and the Smithsonian environment.
Step 1: Confirm your university eligibility
First, verify that your university is a current participating Big Ten Academic Alliance institution or affiliate participating in the program.
Step 2: Confirm your doctoral status
Ensure that you will have completed all coursework, been admitted to doctoral candidacy and satisfied all requirements except the dissertation by the time the fellowship begins.
Step 3: Define your research objectives
Clearly explain what you intend to accomplish during the fellowship.
Your proposal should make it easy for reviewers to understand:
- The research question
- The significance of the research
- How the research relates to your dissertation
- Why the Smithsonian is an appropriate place to conduct the work
- What resources or expertise you need
- What you expect to accomplish during the fellowship
Step 4: Identify a suitable Smithsonian adviser
Research the Smithsonian’s relevant scholars, scientists, curators and research resources to identify potential advisers whose expertise aligns with your dissertation.
Step 5: Connect the research to Smithsonian resources
Explain why conducting the research at the Smithsonian is important.
A convincing proposal should demonstrate that the Smithsonian environment offers meaningful resources, collections, expertise or facilities that will strengthen the dissertation.
Step 6: Review the application requirements
Applicants should carefully read the official Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program guidelines and make sure all required materials are prepared in English.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Do not wait until the final hours to submit.
The deadline is October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants should allow sufficient time to review their application and resolve any submission issues before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship is:
October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
All applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) application system by the stated deadline.
Applicants should pay attention to the time zone because the deadline is specified in Eastern Time.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP).
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) – Official Application and Program Guidelines
Applicants should review the program guidelines carefully before beginning the application process.
The official program information should be treated as the authoritative source for application requirements, supporting documents, procedures and any updates to the competition.
Big Ten Campus Fellowship Contacts
The program provides information about Smithsonian Fellowship contacts at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance campuses.
These campus contacts can be particularly useful for prospective applicants because they may provide university-specific guidance concerning the fellowship and application process.
Applicants should consult the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Smithsonian Fellowship information for the relevant contact at their institution.
Important Things to Remember Before Applying
Prospective applicants should keep the following points in mind:
- The fellowship is specifically intended for doctoral candidates at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible university.
- Applicants must have completed their doctoral coursework.
- Applicants must have been admitted to doctoral candidacy by the time the fellowship begins.
- Applicants must have fulfilled all requirements except completion of the dissertation.
- The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to write and converse fluently in English.
- All application materials must be submitted in English.
- Proposed research must fall within one of the program’s specified research areas.
- Applicants should identify an appropriate Smithsonian adviser for their research.
- Fellowship appointments last between 3 and 12 months.
- The annual stipend is $45,000.
- A research allowance of up to $5,000 per year is available.
- Stipends are prorated for appointments shorter than 12 months.
- Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Applicants should carefully review the official SIFP guidelines before submitting an application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship?
It is a fellowship program designed to support advanced doctoral candidates from participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities in conducting dissertation-related research at the Smithsonian Institution.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, prorated for appointments of less than 12 months.
Is there additional research funding?
Yes. Fellows can receive a research allowance of up to $5,000 per year.
How long is the fellowship?
Appointments can last between 3 and 12 months.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The program is open to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. However, applicants must meet the university enrollment and doctoral-stage requirements.
Do applicants have to be doctoral candidates?
Yes. Applicants must be admitted to doctoral candidacy and have completed all requirements except the dissertation by the time their fellowship appointment begins.
Can students who have not completed their coursework apply?
The eligibility requirements state that students must have completed all coursework for their programs by the time the appointment begins.
What research fields are eligible?
Eligible areas include animal behavior, ecology and environmental science; anthropology; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary and systematic biology; folklife; history of science and technology; history of art; materials research; molecular biology; and social and cultural history of the United States.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Where do applicants apply?
Applications are submitted through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 is a significant research opportunity for advanced doctoral candidates seeking to strengthen their dissertation work through research at the Smithsonian Institution.
With a $45,000 annual stipend, an additional research allowance of up to $5,000 per year, and flexible fellowship appointments of 3 to 12 months, the program offers both financial and academic support to eligible researchers.
The fellowship is particularly attractive to doctoral candidates whose work aligns with the Smithsonian’s broad research strengths, including environmental science, anthropology, Earth sciences, biology, folklife, history, art history, materials research, molecular biology and U.S. social and cultural history.
Because eligibility is tied to enrollment at a participating Big Ten Academic Alliance university and advanced doctoral status, prospective applicants should confirm their eligibility well before beginning the application. They should also identify a suitable Smithsonian adviser and demonstrate clearly why conducting their research at the Smithsonian would advance their dissertation.
Most importantly, eligible candidates should prepare their applications well in advance of the October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. Reviewing the official Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program guidelines and consulting the appropriate fellowship contact at their university can help applicants understand the requirements and submit a complete application on time.
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