James Smithson Fellowship Program
The James Smithson Fellowship provides early career postdocs a 12-month, interdisciplinary research experience at the Smithsonian focused on the annual theme of 'Migration.'
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $62,000 stipend plus $5,000 research allowance for 12 months; possible relocation and health insurance support.
Summary: Immersive 12-month fellowship for early career postdoctoral researchers to pursue interdisciplinary research at the Smithsonian, focused on the annual theme of "Migration."
Key Information: Eligibility limited to U.S. citizens within 5 years of terminal degree; must secure a Smithsonian research advisor.
Description
The James Smithson Fellowship Program provides early career postdoctoral researchers an immersive, interdisciplinary experience at the Smithsonian Institution. Each cycle is organized around a central theme, with "Migration" as the current focus. Fellows engage with Smithsonian researchers, collections, and resources to explore the interplay between scholarship and public policy, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary approaches. The program aims to develop future leaders who can contextualize their research within broader societal and policy frameworks.
Fellows benefit from access to the Smithsonian’s facilities, collections, and experts, and participate in a cohort with structured activities, conferences, and presentations designed to enrich the fellowship experience.
