Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025

The Smithsonian Institution offers the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025. The fellowship is a prestigious research award designed to support outstanding researchers pursuing independent research and study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and research interests. Selected candidates will receive financial support ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 57,000 per year, depending on the fellowship category, for periods of 10 weeks to 24 months.

Source: fellowships.si.edu

The Smithsonian Institution is offering this opportunity through the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.

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.

Selected fellows will receive:-

• Graduate Student Fellowships (10 weeks): USD 10,000.
• Predoctoral Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 45,000 per year and up to USD 5,000 research allowance.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships (3-12/24 months): USD 57,000 per year and up to USD 5,000 research allowance.
• Senior Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 57,000 per year and up to USD 5,000 research allowance.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Step 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).
Step 3: Scroll down and click on the provided link for 'Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA)'.
Step 4: Create an account and proceed with your application.

• Abstract 
• Research Proposal
• Timeline for research phases
• Budget and Justification
• Bibliography of relevant literature
• Curriculum Vitae 
• Transcripts
• Two reference letters from appropriate persons

The selection of the candidates will be made based on the following factors -

• Quality and feasibility of the research proposal.
• Applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research.
• The likelihood that the research could be completed in the requested time.
• The extent to which the Smithsonian, through its research staff members and resources, could contribute to the proposed research.

Application Deadline: 15 October 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

Question: Who is offering the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025 opportunity?
Answer: The Smithsonian Institution, through the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, is offering this opportunity.

Question: Who is eligible for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2025?
Answer: Graduate students, predoctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior investigators proposing to conduct research in disciplines pursued at the Smithsonian are eligible for the fellowship.

Question: What is the last date to apply for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2025?
Answer: The application deadline is 15 October 2025.

Question: What is the mode of application?
Answer: Applications must be submitted online through the official portal.

• Fellows must devote full-time effort to proposed research.
• Must be in residence at the Smithsonian except for approved absences.
• Fellowships must begin on the 1st or 3rd Monday of the month.
• Additional funding from other sources is permitted, subject to approval.
• All fellowship funds are subject to tax.