NASM Research Fellowships

The National Air and Space Museum offers a variety of fellowships for predoctoral, postdoctoral, and non-academic researchers. Applicants are reviewed and guided by National Air and Space Museum research staff, encouraged to use the museum’s facilities and collections, and to contact prospective staff advisors prior to submitting a proposal.

Ranking factors that influence selection include the scholarly merits of the proposal, as well as the research and academic record of the applicant. Applicants are strongly advised to state explicitly what potential use they intend to make of museum collections and facilities and of like facilities in the Washington area. It is also advisable to state how the applicant hopes to profit by the availability of Smithsonian research staff as well as resources in the Washington DC area. Additionally, proposals will be evaluated on their relevance to the Smithsonian Strategic Plan and the Four Grand Challenges.

Please note: Applicants are restricted to applying for a single National Air and Space Museum fellowship grant at a time. Proposals must reflect that the research to be undertaken is intended for publication in peer-reviewed books and journals.

The following research fellowships are offered at the National Air and Space Museum:

The following research grant is offered at the National Air and Space Museum:

Applications for fellowships at the National Air and Space Museum are typically posted in November. The application deadline is January 15.

Every Fellow appointed at the Smithsonian must have a Smithsonian principal advisor. Identify in the proposal the member(s) of the Smithsonian's research staff who might properly serve as your principal advisor(s), as well as those who might be suitable as consultants. See a list of staff research specialties and current departmental interests to help you determine which staff member(s) is best suited to your research needs. It is to your advantage to contact that person or persons as you develop your proposal. You are urged to do so, but are not obliged.

Please Note: Foreign nationals (with the exception of Canadians) who are awarded a National Air and Space Museum research fellowship should contact the Smithsonian's Office of International Relations (OIR) for confirmation of visa. Ordinarily, a J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visa is required.

For more information, please contact: Ms. Collette Williams.

National Air and Space Museum Research Divisions
For more information on Museum research activities, see the research division home page.

Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Grants
For more information on fellowship opportunities at the Smithsonian Institution, visit the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Grants home page.

National Air and Space Museum Research Fellowships