Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program supports in-residence independent research across diverse scientific and scholarly fields using Smithsonian collections and expertise.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Graduate: $10,000 (10 weeks) | Predoctoral: $45,000/year + up to $5,000 research allowance | Postdoctoral/Senior: $57,000/year (Earth & Planetary Sciences: $62,000/year) + up to $5,000 research allowance | Duration: 10 weeks–24 months
Summary: In-residence fellowships for independent research at the Smithsonian, open to graduate students through senior scholars in a wide range of disciplines.
Key Information: All dates are projected; check the program page for updates before applying.
Description
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) provides in-residence research opportunities for graduate students, predoctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars. Fellows conduct independent research or study utilizing the unparalleled collections, facilities, and expertise of the Smithsonian, with Smithsonian research staff serving as advisors and hosts. Supported fields span animal behavior, ecology, environmental science, anthropology, astrophysics, earth sciences, biology, folklore, history, art history, materials research, molecular biology, and U.S. social and cultural history.
Fellowships are administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. Research must be conducted in residence at a Smithsonian facility, except for approved fieldwork or research travel. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential Smithsonian advisors before applying to confirm the feasibility of their proposed research.
