Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship
This fellowship supports innovative, collaborative conservation research at the National Museum of the American Indian, integrating Western and Indigenous knowledge to benefit Indigenous communities.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Stage 1) | March 2027 (Stage 2, invited finalists)
Funding Amounts: $50,000/year stipend + $5,000/year research/travel + $5,000/year health insurance; up to 2 years; relocation travel provided
Summary: Supports innovative conservation research and practice at the National Museum of the American Indian, focusing on collaborative approaches that benefit Indigenous communities.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is a full-time, multi-year fellowship supporting progressive and collaborative conservation, collections care, and stewardship. The fellowship emphasizes holistic, community-engaged conservation practices that integrate both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems, aiming to benefit Indigenous communities through research, mentorship, and capacity building. Fellows develop and implement a research project in close collaboration with NMAI conservation staff, focusing on innovative approaches to the care and interpretation of Indigenous cultural heritage.
