Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
The Smithsonian Institution offers the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025. This highly esteemed research award is designed to support outstanding researchers pursuing independent study and research projects. These projects must be related to the extensive collections, facilities, and diverse research interests found across the Smithsonian's various units.
The program welcomes applications from graduate students, predoctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and senior investigators, providing substantial financial support tailored to each fellowship category.
The benefits include:
• Graduate Student Fellowships (10 weeks): USD 10,000.
• Predoctoral Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 45,000 per year, along with up to USD 5,000 for research allowances.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships (3-12 or 24 months): USD 57,000 per year, plus up to USD 5,000 in research allowances.
• Senior Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 57,000 per year, complemented by up to USD 5,000 for research allowances.
Selection for these fellowships is highly competitive and based on several critical factors. These include the overall quality and feasibility of the proposed research project, the applicant's demonstrated ability to successfully execute the research, and the likelihood of completing the project within the requested timeframe. Additionally, the extent to which the Smithsonian's research staff and unparalleled resources can contribute to the proposed research is a significant consideration.
The application deadline for this invaluable opportunity is October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must:
• meet specific academic requirements based on fellowship category:
• For Graduate Student Fellowships: Must be formally enrolled in a graduate program.
• For Predoctoral Fellowships: Must be Ph.D. candidates with dissertation approval.
• For Postdoctoral Fellowships: Must have completed a doctorate by the fellowship start.
• Senior Fellowships: Must have held a Ph.D. for at least 5 years.
• be a graduate student, predoctoral student, postdoctoral, or senior investigator.
• propose to conduct research in a discipline pursued at the Smithsonian.
• demonstrate the ability to write and converse fluently in English.
Note:
• The fellowship category applied for should match the applicant’s academic level at the start of the fellowship.
• No employee or contractor of the Smithsonian Institution may hold a fellowship during employment or within one year of employment/contract.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
• Abstract
• Research Proposal
• Timeline for research phases
• Budget and Justification
• Bibliography of relevant literature
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts
• Two reference letters from appropriate persons
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:
1. Click on the 'Apply Now' button (if available on the platform you are viewing this information).
2. Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details. (Note: If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
3. Scroll down and click on the provided link for 'Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA)'.
4. Create an account and proceed with your application through the SOLAA system.