Lemelson Center Fellowship Program
The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program from the Smithsonian Institution funds research into the history of invention and innovation in American society using Smithsonian collections.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: October 15, 2026: Application deadline | October 15, 2026: Reference letters deadline
Funding Amounts: Pre-doctoral: $900/week; Post-doctoral/Professional: $1,140/week; up to 10 weeks
Summary: Supports research on the history of invention and innovation in American society utilizing Smithsonian collections and expertise.
Key Information: Applications and reference letters are both due October 15, 2026; fellows must reside in Washington, DC area during tenure.
Description
The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program, hosted by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution, supports innovative research projects that explore the history of invention and innovation in American society. Fellows gain access to the Smithsonian’s expert staff and extensive collections, including archival materials, historical serials, and trade literature. Projects may result in dissertations, publications, exhibitions, educational initiatives, documentary films, or other scholarly and creative outputs. The program especially encourages proposals focusing on under-represented inventors, the broader ecosystem supporting innovation, sports technology, invention education, and intersections of art and invention.
