Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026

Applications are open for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship. This program supports doctoral candidates completing dissertation research nationally. Fellows conduct research in residence at Smithsonian facilities directly. The Smithsonian and each fellow’s home university share program costs. This one-year fellowship spans nineteen participating Big Ten Alliance universities.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institutions: Smithsonian Institution and Big Ten Academic Alliance
• Duration: Three to twelve months
• Stipend: $45,000 annually, prorated for shorter terms
• Research Allowance: Up to $5,000 annually
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Focus Areas

• Animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science
• Anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics
• Earth sciences, paleobiology, and evolutionary biology
• History of art, science, and American cultural history

About the Program

This fellowship connects Big Ten Alliance doctoral candidates with Smithsonian expertise directly. Nineteen member universities participate, including the University of Chicago as affiliate. Fellows find Smithsonian advisors whose expertise complements their dissertation research closely. This creates genuine access to world-class collections, archives, and specialists.

Beyond the stipend, fellows also receive tuition and health insurance benefits. These follow policies set by each fellow’s individual home university.

What Fellows Will Do

Selected fellows devote full-time effort to their dissertation research throughout. They work in residence at Smithsonian facilities, except during approved travel. Fellows access specialized collections, libraries, and Smithsonian research staff throughout. This research directly advances progress toward completing their doctoral dissertation. Appointments must begin between June 2027 and May 2028 specifically.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must currently attend a Big Ten Academic Alliance university. Candidates need advancement to doctoral candidacy with only dissertation remaining. Both U.S. citizens and international students are welcome to apply. Strong English communication skills are necessary throughout the application process.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a one-page abstract and six-page research proposal. A current CV, capped at four pages, is also required. Additionally, applicants need academic transcripts and a project timeline. A budget justification and bibliography round out required materials. Two reference letters from individuals familiar with the applicant’s work complete submissions.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application through the Smithsonian’s official SOLAA portal.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers exceptional dissertation research support, combining substantial funding with unmatched access to Smithsonian collections and expert mentorship. Its cross-institutional structure makes it especially valuable for doctoral candidates whose research intersects with the Smithsonian’s diverse specialties.

Given the detailed multi-part application, eligible candidates should contact potential Smithsonian advisors early and begin drafting their research proposal well before the October 15 deadline.

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