Call for Entries: Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship supports doctoral candidates from Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities to conduct dissertation research in residence at the Smithsonian Institution. Predoctoral fellows receive a $45,000 annual stipend plus up to $5,000 per year for research expenses, with fellowships lasting three to 12 months and providing access to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and research experts. What Is the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship? The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship is a research fellowship jointly supported by the Smithsonian Institution and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The programme gives doctoral candidates an opportunity to conduct advanced dissertation research while working in residence at the Smithsonian.

Fellows can benefit from access to:

- Smithsonian research collections. - Specialized facilities. - Research materials. - Professional Smithsonian researchers and advisors. - Academic and interdisciplinary research networks. The fellowship is intended specifically for doctoral research that can benefit from the Smithsonian’s collections, expertise or research infrastructure. Why Does the Fellowship Matter? Doctoral research often requires access to specialized collections, archives, laboratories, field materials and subject-matter experts. The Smithsonian offers extensive resources across scientific, environmental, historical, cultural and social research fields. By supporting researchers in residence, the fellowship enables doctoral candidates to: - Advance their dissertation research. - Work directly with Smithsonian resources. - Develop relationships with Smithsonian researchers. - Conduct interdisciplinary research. - Strengthen their academic and professional profile. - Complete research that may not be possible using university resources alone. What Research Fields Are Supported? The fellowship supports a broad range of disciplines.

Potential research areas include:

- Animal behavior. - Ecology. - Environmental science. - Anthropology. - Archaeology. - Linguistics. - Earth sciences. - Paleobiology. - Evolutionary biology. - Folklife. - History of science and technology. - History of art. - Materials research. - Molecular biology. - Social and cultural history of the United States. Interdisciplinary research proposals are encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed dissertation research and the Smithsonian’s available resources or expertise. Fellowship Benefits Predoctoral Stipend

Predoctoral fellows receive a stipend of:

$45,000 per year The stipend is prorated when the appointment lasts less than 12 months. Research Allowance

Fellows may also receive:

Up to $5,000 per year for research expenses This allowance is also prorated for appointments shorter than 12 months. Fellowship Duration

The fellowship can last between:

- 3 months, minimum; and - 12 months, maximum. Fellows are expected to devote their full-time effort to dissertation research while they are in residence at the Smithsonian. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility is restricted to doctoral candidates enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities.

Applicants must:

- Be currently enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Big Ten Academic Alliance member university. - Have completed all required coursework. - Have been admitted to doctoral candidacy. - Have completed all requirements other than the dissertation. - Be prepared to conduct research in residence at the Smithsonian. - Be able to communicate fluently in English. Both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens are eligible, provided they meet the other requirements. Doctoral Status Requirement This fellowship is intended for candidates who have progressed beyond coursework and are formally undertaking dissertation research.

Applicants should therefore have:

- Completed their coursework. - Been admitted to candidacy. - Fulfilled all doctoral requirements except the dissertation. Students who have not yet reached doctoral candidacy should carefully verify their status before applying. How to Identify a Smithsonian Research Advisor Applicants are encouraged to identify potential Smithsonian advisors before submitting an application. This is an important part of preparing a strong research proposal because the proposed research should be feasible within the Smithsonian environment.

Applicants should:

- Identify Smithsonian researchers working in their research area. - Review their research interests and expertise. - Determine which Smithsonian collections, laboratories or resources are relevant. - Contact potential advisors. - Discuss the feasibility and relevance of the proposed dissertation research. - Reflect the potential collaboration or research fit in the application. Early communication can help applicants establish that the Smithsonian has the appropriate expertise and resources for their project. How to Apply Applicants must submit their fellowship materials through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

Step 1: Confirm Your University Eligibility

Verify that you are currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate at a university belonging to the Big Ten Academic Alliance.

Step 2: Confirm Doctoral Candidacy

Ensure that you have:

- Completed all coursework. - Been admitted to candidacy. - Satisfied all requirements except the dissertation.

Step 3: Develop Your Research Proposal

Prepare a detailed proposal explaining:

- The research question. - Dissertation objectives. - Research methodology. - Why the Smithsonian is appropriate for the project. - Smithsonian collections or resources required. - Expected research outcomes. - How the residency will advance the dissertation.

Step 4: Contact Potential Smithsonian Advisors

Identify appropriate Smithsonian researchers and communicate with them about the proposed project. Applicants should establish whether the necessary expertise, collections, facilit