The Smithsonian Institution is dedicated to pioneering scientific research to meet the complex environmental challenges of the 21st century. It aims at fostering sustainable human societies and conserving biodiversity by addressing critical issues like climate change, species invasions, and pollution through comprehensive, global research in diverse ecosystems.
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) is designed to offer opportunities for independent research or study that relates to the Smithsonian's collections, facilities, and/or research interests. It is open to graduate students, predoctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior researchers. The program seeks to foster independent research under the advisement and hosting of the Smithsonian's professional research staff. Fellowships enable scholars to conduct research at Smithsonian facilities or field stations, with an expectation for fellows to primarily reside at the Smithsonian during their fellowship, unless conducting necessary field work or research travel. The program encourages applications for research in a broad range of fields including but not limited to animal behavior, ecology, anthropology, astrophysics, earth sciences, evolutionary biology, history of science and technology, and art history. Projects that diversify and broaden the disciplines' research scope are particularly welcomed. This program operates under the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships and aligns with the Institution's charter to advance knowledge.