Engen Conservation Fellowship
The Engen Conservation Fellowship offers hands-on conservation training and independent research at the National Air and Space Museum, focusing on museum object preservation and scientific analysis.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (annual, projected)
Funding Amounts: $45,000 stipend for 12 months, plus $5,000 for travel/research; renewable for a second year
Summary: Provides recent graduates with hands-on conservation training and independent research opportunities at the National Air and Space Museum.
Key Information: Applicants must have a Master’s in Conservation of Cultural Heritage; fellowship is in-residence at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA.
Description
The Engen Conservation Fellowship at the National Air and Space Museum offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain advanced, hands-on experience in the conservation of composite objects, metals, organic materials, and painted surfaces. Fellows work closely with Smithsonian staff advisors on conservation projects and conduct independent, small-scale research using the museum’s extensive collections. The program emphasizes both practical skills and scholarly research, encouraging fellows to publish or present their work at the end of the fellowship. Training with analytical equipment (XRF, FTIR, microscopy, digital x-radiography, UV/IR photography, colorimetry) is provided, and fellows have access to additional Smithsonian resources and collaborators.
