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Smithsonian James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027: U.S. Postdoctoral Researchers Can Receive a $62,000 Stipend and $5,000 Research Allowance

Ling Peng
mithsonian James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027
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Applications are open for the Smithsonian James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027, a prestigious 12-month research opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers in the United States working across science, the humanities, and the arts.

Administered through the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, the James Smithson Fellowship Program provides researchers with an opportunity to pursue independent research while drawing on the Smithsonian’s extraordinary network of experts, research facilities, databases, and extensive collections.

For the 2027 cycle, the fellowship is centered on the theme “Regeneration.” Applicants are invited to develop interdisciplinary research proposals exploring how societies, environments, technologies, communities, and cultural traditions renew, recover, adapt, and maintain continuity over time.

Successful fellows will receive a $62,000 stipend and a research allowance of up to $5,000. Additional support may include a one-time travel allowance and a contribution toward health insurance costs.

The fellowship is primarily conducted in residence and lasts for 12 months. Appointments may begin as early as June 1, 2027, and must begin no later than May 1, 2028.

Importantly, this opportunity is restricted to eligible U.S. citizens, and applicants must generally be no more than five years beyond receiving their doctorate degree. Candidates holding terminal professional degrees may also be eligible.

James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027 Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 James Smithson Fellowship Program is:

October 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Applicants must submit their complete applications through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) by the deadline.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin preparing their submission. The application requires a substantial research proposal, identification of a Smithsonian research advisor, references, transcripts, a budget, bibliography, curriculum vitae, and several other components.

In addition, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their required recommendation letters are submitted by the deadline.

About the James Smithson Fellowship Program

The James Smithson Fellowship Program was established to provide early-career postdoctoral researchers with an opportunity to deepen their disciplinary expertise while gaining a broader understanding of the relationship between academic scholarship, research, and public policy.

Rather than viewing research solely through the lens of an individual academic discipline, the program encourages fellows to examine the wider implications of their work.

The fellowship creates an immersive research environment where participants can work alongside Smithsonian researchers, interact with relevant collections and facilities, and consider how their research can contribute to wider conversations within society.

The program is particularly intended for a new generation of researchers and leaders interested in conducting innovative scholarship while exploring the potential policy implications and public significance of their research.

Fellows undertake independent empirical research within an interdisciplinary environment designed to encourage new ways of thinking, researching, and creating.

Theme for 2027: Regeneration

The theme of the 2027 James Smithson Fellowship is “Regeneration.”

The Smithsonian is inviting research proposals that examine how societies, environments, and cultural traditions renew and adapt over time.

Regeneration can occur in numerous forms and across many disciplines. The theme recognizes that renewal does not necessarily mean abandoning the past. Instead, regeneration can involve adapting to changing circumstances while preserving important elements of continuity.

Applicants are encouraged to explore processes including:

The theme provides considerable room for interdisciplinary research.

What Does “Regeneration” Mean for the 2027 Fellowship?

The Smithsonian identifies several potential ways in which regeneration may be understood.

1. Restoration of Ecosystems

Researchers may investigate the ways natural environments recover, adapt, or are restored following environmental degradation, climate pressures, human activity, or other forms of disruption.

Research could potentially consider ecological adaptation, environmental resilience, restoration processes, conservation, or related questions.

2. Revitalization of Cultural Practices

Regeneration can also occur through the preservation, adaptation, and revitalization of cultural traditions.

Researchers working within history, anthropology, heritage, the humanities, arts, or related fields may consider how cultural knowledge and practices survive, change, or are renewed across generations and changing social environments.

3. Rebuilding Communities Following Disruption

The theme can extend to the ways communities rebuild and adapt following periods of disruption.

This creates opportunities to investigate resilience, social transformation, continuity, collective memory, recovery, and other processes through which communities respond to change.

4. Technological Innovation

Regeneration may also be considered through technological change and innovation.

Researchers may explore how technologies contribute to renewal, adaptation, preservation, resilience, or transformation across societies and environments.

These examples are not necessarily exhaustive. The broad nature of the theme allows researchers from science, the humanities, and the arts to approach regeneration through different disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.

What Are the Goals of the James Smithson Fellowship?

The fellowship is designed to provide participants with several significant opportunities.

Fellows can:

The fellowship therefore goes beyond simply providing financial support for a research project.

It places researchers within the wider intellectual environment of the Smithsonian and encourages them to consider how their work connects with broader academic, cultural, scientific, societal, and policy questions.

Who Is Eligible for the James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027?

The James Smithson Fellowship Program is open to postdoctoral researchers in science, the humanities, and the arts.

Applicants must satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements.

Candidates must:

Candidates with terminal professional degrees are also eligible to apply.

Applicants should carefully review the official program guidelines before submitting an application to confirm their eligibility.

Smithsonian Research Advisor Requirement

One of the most important requirements of the James Smithson Fellowship is the identification of an appropriate Smithsonian research advisor.

Applicants are required to identify a Smithsonian expert listed in the Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS) guide who can serve as their research advisor during the fellowship.

This is not an optional component.

Only applicants who have identified a research advisor will be reviewed for the fellowship.

Applicants should therefore make identifying an appropriate advisor one of the first steps in preparing their application.

Before submitting an application, candidates should contact their prospective research advisor to:

  1. Introduce themselves and their proposed research;
  2. Determine whether the Smithsonian expert’s research interests and expertise are a good fit for the project;
  3. Confirm that the expert is available to serve as an advisor during the proposed fellowship period; and
  4. Discuss the research proposal and, where appropriate, anticipated research costs.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to correspond with their proposed Smithsonian advisor while developing their proposal.

Fellowship Duration and Starting Dates

The James Smithson Fellowship appointment lasts for:

12 months.

The fellowship is described as primarily in-residence, providing fellows with an immersive opportunity to engage with Smithsonian researchers, collections, facilities, and other relevant resources.

Appointments may commence:

Applicants should take these dates into account when preparing their proposed research timetable.

James Smithson Fellowship Stipend and Research Funding

Successful fellows receive significant financial support during the 12-month appointment.

Fellowship Stipend

Each fellow receives:

$62,000 stipend

Research Allowance

Fellows also receive:

Up to $5,000 in research allowance

The research allowance can support eligible costs associated with conducting the proposed research.

Applicants are required to prepare a budget and justification addressing expenses such as:

The research budget should not include stipend or relocation costs.

Funding for direct hires may not be included.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss anticipated research costs with their proposed Smithsonian advisor before submitting their application.

If a research project requires more funding than the maximum $5,000 research allowance, the applicant must explain where the additional funding will come from.

Potential Additional Support

Additional fellowship support may include:

Applicants should consult the official program information for applicable conditions surrounding additional support.

How to Apply for the James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

The complete application must be submitted by October 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. ET.

Applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare all required documents and coordinate with their Smithsonian research advisor and references.

Required Application Documents

The James Smithson Fellowship application requires several detailed components.

1. Research Abstract

Applicants must provide an abstract summarizing their proposed research.

The abstract must be:

The abstract should clearly communicate the core research question, approach, and significance of the proposed project.

2. Research Proposal

Applicants must prepare a detailed research proposal.

The proposal must be:

The six-page limit excludes other application components such as the abstract and bibliography, but includes images, tables, and similar materials contained within the proposal.

The proposal must address several important areas.

Proposed Research and Methodology

Applicants should describe the research they intend to conduct at the Smithsonian and explain the methodology they will use.

Potential Public Policy Implications

A significant component of the fellowship is the relationship between scholarship and public policy.

Applicants must therefore explain how their proposed research could potentially inform public policy.

Importance of the Research

Applicants should discuss why their research matters.

This should address its importance both:

Why the Smithsonian Is Necessary

The proposal must justify why the research should be conducted at the Smithsonian Institution.

Applicants should explain how they plan to use relevant Smithsonian:

A strong proposal should demonstrate a meaningful connection between the project and the resources available through the Smithsonian.

Smithsonian Principal Research Advisor

Applicants must identify the Smithsonian research staff member who will serve as their principal advisor.

Again, identification of an eligible Smithsonian advisor is mandatory.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with their proposed advisor while developing the research proposal.

3. Research Timetable

Applicants must submit an estimated timetable covering the entire fellowship period.

The timetable should explain when the major phases of the proposed research are expected to occur.

A clear timetable can help demonstrate that the research project is realistic and can be completed within the fellowship period.

4. Budget and Budget Justification

Applicants must submit a budget explaining anticipated research expenses.

Eligible categories can include:

Applicants cannot use this budget to include direct hires.

The budget also excludes the fellowship stipend and relocation costs.

If anticipated research expenses exceed the maximum $5,000 research allowance, applicants must identify and explain the source of additional funding.

5. Bibliography

Applicants must provide a bibliography covering literature relevant to their proposed research.

The bibliography must not exceed:

Two pages.

It should demonstrate familiarity with relevant scholarship and provide intellectual context for the proposed research.

6. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a current curriculum vitae.

The CV should highlight areas including:

The CV should not exceed five pages.

Applicants whose native language is not English must also describe their proficiency in:

7. Academic Transcripts

Applicants must submit transcripts from their terminal degree institution or institutions.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Applicants should ensure that the submitted documentation appropriately reflects their academic background and qualifications.

8. Two References and Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide the:

of two non-Smithsonian individuals who are familiar with their research.

These references will be asked to submit confidential letters of recommendation online.

Applicants may provide their references with:

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that both recommendation letters are submitted by the application deadline.

This is particularly important because applications containing fewer than two letters of recommendation may not be considered.

Candidates should therefore contact their references well before October 15 rather than waiting until the application deadline approaches.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Applications will be reviewed by Smithsonian scholars working in appropriate fields.

The selection process considers several factors.

Innovation and Relationship to the 2027 Theme

Reviewers will examine the extent to which the proposed research is innovative and meaningfully connected to the theme of Regeneration.

Applicants should therefore make the relationship between their research and the fellowship theme clear within their proposal.

Potential Public Policy Relevance

Reviewers will consider how effectively the proposal addresses the potential for the research to inform public policy.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have considered the wider implications of their work rather than simply describing an academic research project.

Ability to Conduct the Research

The selection process will consider whether the applicant has the knowledge, skills, experience, and academic background necessary to successfully conduct the proposed project.

Feasibility

Reviewers will assess whether the research can realistically be completed within the requested fellowship period.

This makes the research timetable, methodology, scope, and project design particularly important.

Relevance of Smithsonian Resources

Applicants will be evaluated on the extent to which Smithsonian research staff and institutional resources can contribute to the proposed research.

Candidates should clearly demonstrate why conducting the project through the Smithsonian would provide meaningful value.

Alignment With Career Goals

Reviewers will consider how the fellowship aligns with the applicant’s broader career objectives.

Applicants should therefore think carefully about how the experience will contribute to their development as researchers and future leaders.

Leadership Potential

A candidate’s potential for leadership will also be assessed, including evidence demonstrated through previous performance and accomplishments.

Academic Record

The quality of the applicant’s academic record forms another part of the selection process.

Taken together, these criteria mean that a competitive application should combine a strong academic profile with an innovative, feasible research project that clearly connects with the theme of Regeneration, makes meaningful use of Smithsonian resources, and demonstrates potential relevance to public policy.

Important Restrictions for Smithsonian Employees and Contractors

Current employees and contractors of the Smithsonian Institution cannot hold a Smithsonian fellowship while simultaneously employed or contracted by the institution.

The Smithsonian also states that former employees or contractors generally need one year of separation before applying for a fellowship, unless prior approval is obtained from the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.

Anyone affected by these conditions should consult the official fellowship guidelines or contact the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships for clarification.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

The Smithsonian Institution states that it does not discriminate based on:

Applicants should note, however, that the James Smithson Fellowship itself has a citizenship eligibility requirement: candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Important Dates at a Glance

Prospective applicants should keep the following dates in mind:

Applicants outside the Eastern Time Zone should pay particular attention to the 4:59 p.m. ET closing time and submit well in advance to avoid time-zone confusion or last-minute technical difficulties.

Key Fellowship Details at a Glance

Program: James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027

Host Institution: Smithsonian Institution

2027 Theme: Regeneration

Research Fields: Science, humanities, and arts

Fellowship Duration: 12 months, primarily in residence

Stipend: $62,000

Research Allowance: Up to $5,000

Additional Potential Support: One-time travel allowance and contribution toward health insurance costs

Eligibility: Eligible U.S. citizen postdoctoral researchers and candidates with qualifying terminal professional degrees

Application Platform: Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA)

Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. ET

Earliest Start: June 1, 2027

Latest Start: May 1, 2028

Important Tips Before Applying

Because this is a research-intensive fellowship, applicants should begin preparation well ahead of the deadline.

In particular, candidates should:

  1. Confirm their eligibility before preparing the full application. The program is restricted to eligible U.S. citizens and primarily targets postdoctoral researchers within five years of receiving their doctorate.
  2. Identify a Smithsonian research advisor early. This is mandatory, and applications without an identified advisor will not be reviewed.
  3. Contact the prospective advisor before applying. Confirm that the Smithsonian expert is an appropriate fit and is available during the proposed fellowship period.
  4. Build a clear connection to the theme of Regeneration. Reviewers specifically evaluate how innovative the proposed research is and how it relates to the annual theme.
  5. Explain the public policy dimension. Applicants should clearly articulate how their research could potentially inform public policy.
  6. Demonstrate why the Smithsonian is essential to the project. The proposal should identify specific experts, facilities, collections, databases, or other resources relevant to the research.
  7. Prepare a realistic 12-month timetable. The selection process considers whether the project can reasonably be completed during the requested period.
  8. Coordinate with references early. Two confidential recommendation letters are required, and the applicant is responsible for ensuring they arrive on time.
  9. Review the research budget carefully. If anticipated research expenses exceed the $5,000 allowance, explain how the additional costs will be funded.
  10. Submit before the final deadline. Applications must be completed through SOLAA by October 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. ET.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should complete their applications through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA):

https://solaa.si.edu/

Before beginning the application, candidates should also carefully review the official James Smithson Fellowship Program Guidelines:

https://fellowships.si.edu/james-smithson-fellowship

Applicants looking for a potential Smithsonian research advisor should consult the Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS) resources:

https://fellowships.si.edu/SORS

Questions about the fellowship may be directed to the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships at:

InternsAndFellows@si.edu

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Conclusion

The Smithsonian James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for eligible early-career U.S. researchers to pursue ambitious independent research within one of the world’s most prominent research, museum, scientific, historical, and cultural institutions.

With a $62,000 stipend, up to $5,000 in research funding, potential additional travel and health insurance support, and access to Smithsonian researchers, facilities, databases, and extensive collections, the fellowship provides much more than financial support. It gives researchers an environment in which they can deepen their expertise, work across disciplinary boundaries, and examine the wider societal and public policy significance of their scholarship.

The 2027 theme, Regeneration, creates a particularly broad interdisciplinary framework. Researchers may investigate ecological restoration, cultural revitalization, community resilience, adaptation, technological innovation, heritage conservation, continuity, or other processes through which societies, environments, and traditions renew and transform over time.

A particularly important step for prospective applicants is finding an appropriate Smithsonian research advisor. Since applications without an identified advisor will not be reviewed, candidates should begin exploring Smithsonian experts and establishing contact well before preparing their final submission.

Eligible researchers interested in the program should begin preparing their proposal, identifying an advisor, contacting references, developing their research budget and timetable, and gathering the necessary academic documents as early as possible.

All applications must be submitted through SOLAA by October 15, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. ET.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.

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