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The Smithsonian Institution Senior Researcher Fellowship

Smithsonian Institution

Awarded annually, the scholarship funds and provides research opportunities to Senior Researchers who wish to facilitate and conduct independent research/studies utilizing the Institutes' vast collections, numerous facilities, and staff expertise.

Key Information

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age/Grade Level:
    Applicants must have held a Ph.D. or equivalent
  • Financial Need:
    Not Mentioned
  • Citizenship:
    The program is open to US citizens and Non-US citizens.
  • Miscellaneous:
    Applicants whose native language is not English are expected to have the ability to write and converse fluently in English.Senior Fellowships are typically 3 to 12 months in length. Applicants must have held a Ph.D. or equivalent for at least 7 years.
  • Other Benefits:
    In addition to a base stipend, awardees may receive allowances to assist with the fellows research related expenses and for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian. The budget for the research allowance should not include costs for relocation to the Smithsonian, which is awarded separately.

Application Details

  • Judging Criteria:
    Applications will be evaluated on the following:The proposals meritThe ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research and studyThe extent to which the Smithsonian, through its staff members and resources, can contribute to the proposed researchMailing addressAcademic historyCurrent university or collegeIdentifying the committee you feel is most appropriate to review your proposal. Descriptions of different review committees are offered below.
  • Transcript:
    Required
  • Resume/Activity List:
    Required
  • Recommendation Letters:
    ReferencesNames and email addresses of two persons familiar with your work. Ideally, dont make your proposed SI advisor one of your referees because they already will have an opportunity to offer feedback about your proposal as part of the application review processAll reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been waived by the referenceProvide a copy of your proposal and a copy of Letter to Reference (downloadable pdf) to your referencesThrough SOLAA you will send an email to these referees so they can provide references through the web
  • Portfolio/Work Samples:
    Research ProposalThe full statement of your research you plan to undertake at the SmithsonianMaximum six pages double spaced (not including references)Paper size should be 8.5 by 11 inches (210 mm x 297 mm)12 point typeIn preparing your proposal, be sure to provide and address the following:MethodologyThe importance of the work both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own scholarly goalsJustification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and utilization of research facilities and resourcesIdentification of the member of the Smithsonians research staff who might serve as your principal advisor/hostIdentification of potential co-advisor(s) and/or consultant(s) if applicableTime TableEstimate of time period for each phase of the research proposedThis needs to be uploaded for the application material name Other in SOLAAApplicants should consider the following factors carefully when choosing the dates for the proposed fellowship: academic schedule, completion dates of their preliminary exams, course work, dissertation (if applicable), the schedule of their proposed advisor/host and the availability of required resourcesThe dates of tenure proposed in the application (and any change of dates if the fellowship is awarded) should be selected in agreement with the proposed principal advisorBudget and JustificationBudget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itselfDo not include stipend and/or relocation costsIf the funds exceed the maximum research allowance, please explain the source of additional fundsApplicants for graduate student fellowships are not eligible for research and travel allowances and should not submit budget justificationsBibliographyBibliography of literature relevant to the applicants proposed research

Contact Information