James Smithson Fellowship Program 2027 in USA
The Smithsonian Institution invites applications for its 2027 Smithson Fellowship. This year’s theme centers on “Regeneration” across science and culture. Fellows explore ecological restoration, cultural revitalization, and community rebuilding broadly. The program particularly welcomes interdisciplinary approaches spanning multiple Smithsonian disciplines. It targets early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking policy-relevant research experience.
Program Snapshot
- Host Institution: Smithsonian Institution
- Theme: Regeneration
- Duration: 12 months, primarily in-residence
- Stipend: $62,000, plus $5,000 research allowance
- Start Date: Between June 2027 and May 2028
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, 4:59 PM ET
Focus Areas
- Ecological restoration and environmental adaptation
- Cultural heritage conservation and revitalization
- Community rebuilding following disruption
- Technological innovation and regenerative practices
About the Fellowship
This program connects academic research with meaningful public policy questions. Fellows examine how societies and environments renew themselves over time. The Smithsonian’s vast expertise spans science, history, and the arts together. This creates genuine interdisciplinary opportunities unavailable at most single-focus institutions.
Fellows gain an immersive experience alongside Smithsonian researchers and collections directly. The program particularly emphasizes considering research within broader societal frameworks.
What Fellows Will Do
Selected fellows access Smithsonian’s extensive facilities, databases, and specialized collections. They engage regularly with researchers across remarkably diverse academic disciplines. Fellows also develop skills connecting their scholarship to real policy conversations. This dual focus on research and policy application distinguishes this program notably. Fellows work primarily in residence throughout their twelve-month appointment term.
Financial Benefits
Beyond the base stipend, fellows receive a dedicated research allowance annually. Additional support may include one-time travel allowances for fellows. Some contribution toward health insurance costs may also be available.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be postdoctoral researchers in science, humanities, or arts fields. Candidates need U.S. citizenship to qualify for this particular fellowship. Applicants should be within five years of receiving their doctoral degree. Those holding terminal professional degrees are equally welcome to apply.
How to Apply
Submit your complete application through the Smithsonian’s official SOLAA portal. For questions, contact InternsAndFellows@si.edu directly.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This fellowship offers a genuinely unique bridge between rigorous academic research and real-world policy application, backed by unmatched access to Smithsonian collections and expertise. Its interdisciplinary “Regeneration” theme makes it especially relevant for researchers examining resilience across ecological, cultural, or technological contexts.
Given the competitive nature of this program, eligible U.S. postdoctoral researchers should craft a proposal clearly connecting their work to Smithsonian resources well before the October 15 deadline.
