Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 ($45,000 Stipend)

Applications are now open for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026. The fellowship provides advanced doctoral candidates from participating Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) universities with the opportunity to conduct dissertation research at the Smithsonian Institution under the guidance of Smithsonian advisers.

The programme supports scholars who have completed all doctoral coursework and advanced to candidacy, enabling them to access the Smithsonian's world-class collections, laboratories, archives, libraries, museums, and research facilities. Fellows receive an annual stipend of USD 45,000, along with a research allowance of up to USD 5,000 to support eligible research-related expenses.

About the Fellowship

Established through a partnership between the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution, the fellowship aims to strengthen doctoral research by providing scholars with access to the Smithsonian's unique research resources and expert mentorship.

Selected fellows work closely with Smithsonian researchers to advance their dissertations while contributing to ongoing scholarship across a wide range of disciplines. Appointments may last from three to twelve months, depending on the nature of the proposed research project.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Annual stipend of USD 45,000 (prorated for appointments shorter than one year).
• Research allowance of up to USD 5,000 per year.
• Access to Smithsonian museums, laboratories, archives, libraries, and research facilities.
• Supervision and mentorship from Smithsonian researchers.
• Opportunity to conduct dissertation research using world-renowned collections and resources.
• Eligibility for tuition and health insurance benefits in accordance with their home university's policies.
• Allowances for eligible research-related and temporary relocation expenses, where applicable.

Research Areas

Applicants must propose research that aligns with one of the Smithsonian Institution's research areas, including:

• Animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science (including tropical studies).
• Anthropology.
• Archaeology.
• Cultural anthropology.
• Linguistics.
• Physical anthropology.
• Earth sciences.
• Paleobiology.
• Evolutionary and systematic biology.
• Folklife.
• History of science and technology.
• History of art, including American, African, Asian, and contemporary art.
• Decorative arts and twentieth-century American crafts.
• Materials research.
• Molecular biology.
• Social and cultural history of the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled at a Big Ten Academic Alliance member university.
• Have completed all doctoral coursework.
• Be admitted to doctoral candidacy before the fellowship begins.
• Have satisfied all degree requirements except completion of the dissertation.
• Propose research that can be conducted at the Smithsonian Institution.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to write and communicate fluently in English.
• Submit all application materials in English.

The fellowship is open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.

Eligible Universities

The fellowship is available only to doctoral students enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities.

Applicants should confirm their institution's eligibility and consult their campus fellowship contact before applying.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application.
• Dissertation research proposal.
• Academic transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Letters of recommendation, as required.
• Supporting documents specified in the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program application guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Quality and originality of the proposed dissertation research.
• Relevance of the project to Smithsonian collections and research facilities.
• Feasibility of completing the proposed research during the fellowship period.
• Potential contribution to the applicant's doctoral dissertation and broader scholarly field.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Confirm your eligibility through your Big Ten Academic Alliance university.
2. Identify an appropriate Smithsonian adviser whose expertise aligns with your research.
3. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
4. Complete the online application through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) system.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program portal.