Get financial support for your research on aviation and space. 

This $5,000 award supports research on aerospace topics that is intended to be shared with the public, whether as a book, film, or another format. 

Fast Facts About This Award

Award

$5,000

Application Deadline

January 30, 2026
This is awarded every other year.

Awardees Notified

Mid-March 2026

If Selected

Award winners are required to provide a summary report that outlines how the award was used to accomplish the goals of the project.

Armstrong Space suit standing in Destination Moon gallery.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
 

To submit an application: 

  1. Create an account
  2. Add a new application
  3. Select “National Air and Space Museum” under Office/Museum/Research Center.
  4. Fill out the application and submit.

As you work on your application, you can save your progress and resume your application as needed.

Apply Now

Your Application Should Include

Research Proposal

State the subject or your research and research goals in a maximum of two-page, single-space proposal

Curriculum Vitae

One- to two-pages

Budget

One-page detailed budget explaining how the award will be spent.
Funds may be used to support research travel and expenses, or to produce a product of the research.

Questions?

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