James Smithson Fellowship Program
The James Smithson Fellowship supports early-career postdocs for a year of interdisciplinary research at the Smithsonian on the theme of migration, connecting scholarship and public policy.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $62,000 stipend plus $5,000 research allowance for a 12-month fellowship; additional allowances for relocation and health insurance may be available.
Summary: Immersive 12-month fellowship for early-career postdoctoral researchers to explore scholarship and public policy at the Smithsonian, with a focus on the theme of migration.
Key Information: U.S. citizens within five years of their doctorate (or terminal degree) are eligible; fellowship is offered in odd-numbered years.
Description
The James Smithson Fellowship Program provides early-career postdoctoral researchers with a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research at the Smithsonian Institution, focusing on the intersection of scholarship and public policy. The program aims to foster leadership and innovation by connecting fellows with Smithsonian researchers, collections, and resources. The upcoming cycle's theme is "Migration," encouraging applicants to explore how migration shapes natural and cultural landscapes, identities, ecosystems, and artistic practices. Fellows are expected to reflect on the broader significance and policy implications of their work, participate in cohort activities, and contribute to policy-relevant scholarship.
