Smithsonian Institution James Smithson Fellowship Program 2026 (With Up to $62,000 in Funding)

Published: August 26, 2026
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Category: Fellowship Grants
Eligible Locations: United States

Applications are currently being accepted for the Smithsonian Institution James Smithson Fellowship Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About Smithsonian Institution James Smithson Fellowship Program

The James Smithson Fellowship Program is a postdoctoral research opportunity at the Smithsonian Institution for early-career researchers pursuing independent, interdisciplinary research.The fellowship is designed to connect academic research with broader societal and public policy questions.

Sponsor Organisation: Smithsonian Institution

Benefits of Smithsonian Institution James Smithson Fellowship Program

Each selected fellow receives:

$62,000 stipend
$5,000 research allowance
Potential one-time travel allowance
Potential contribution toward health insurance costs
Access to Smithsonian collections, facilities and databases
Access to Smithsonian research expertise

The fellowship therefore provides both financial and institutional support for independent postdoctoral research.

Smithsonian Institution James Smithson Fellowship Program Requirements

Applicants must meet specific citizenship, career-stage and institutional requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Be U.S. citizens.
Be postdoctoral researchers.
Work in science, humanities or the arts.
Be no more than five years beyond receiving their doctorate or terminal professional degree.
Develop an independent research project connected to the 2027 theme.
Identify a Smithsonian research advisor.

Applicants should carefully verify their doctoral completion date against the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Application Date and Process

All applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) by October 15, 2026, 4:59 pm ET deadline.

Each application must include:

Abstract: An abstract of the proposed research (no more than one page, double spaced).
Research Proposal: No more than 6 pages, double spaced (excluding all other parts of the application, such as the abstract and bibliography but including images, table etc.). Paper size should be 8.5 by 11 inches (210 mm x 297 mm), with 1" margins, and do not use type smaller than 11 point font.
- A description of the research and methodology the applicant proposes to undertake at the Smithsonian Institution.
- A description of how the proposed research will potentially inform public policy.
- A discussion of the importance of the research, both in relation to the broader discipline and to the applicant’s scholarly goals.
- A justification for conducting the research at the Smithsonian and for utilizing its research facilities and resources.
- Identification of the Smithsonian research staff who will serve as the applicant’s principal advisor. Identification of a Smithsonian advisor is a requirement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to correspond with their advisor in preparing the proposal.
Timetable: Please provide an estimated timeline for each phase of the proposed research for the entire fellowship period.
Budget and Justification: Budget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itself. This excludes stipend and relocation costs. You may not include funding to do any direct hires. Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential research costs with their advisor before submitting their application. If the funds required by the applicant exceed the maximum research allowance of $5,000, please explain the source of the additional funds.
Bibliography: Bibliography of literature relevant to the applicant’s proposed research (no more than two pages).
Curriculum vitae: Current curriculum vitae highlights education, expertise, achievements and honors, and publications. Should include a description of applicant’s research interests (not to exceed five pages). Also, if English is not the applicant’s native language, describe proficiency level in reading, speaking, and writing in English.
Transcripts: Transcripts from terminal degree institution(s) are required. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
References: Applicants will need the name and email address of two non-Smithsonian persons familiar with their research. These references will be asked to submit a confidential letter of recommendation online.
- Applicants can provide a copy of their proposal and a copy of the Letter to Reference (downloadable PDF) to each of their references. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all letters from references are submitted by the deadline. Applications with fewer than two letters of recommendation may not be considered.