Apply for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 - a one-year, in-residence research fellowship jointly supported by the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and the Smithsonian Institution. Doctoral candidates at BTAA member universities conduct dissertation-level research at Smithsonian museums, archives, and research centres in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Fellowships carry a stipend of about $42,000 - $45,000 per year (prorated for shorter terms). Support costs are shared between the Smithsonian and your home university. All fields actively pursued by Smithsonian museums and research organisations are eligible - from anthropology and history to astrobiology, conservation, and material culture.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on BTAA and Smithsonian fellowship pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - BTAA Smithsonian Fellowship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship |
| Partners | Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and Smithsonian Institution (SI) |
| Type | One-year predoctoral research fellowship in residence |
| Stipend | About $42,000 - $45,000/year (prorated if less than 12 months) |
| Location | Smithsonian facilities - primarily Washington, D.C. area |
| Fields | Any discipline actively pursued by Smithsonian museums and research units |
| Who applies | Doctoral candidates enrolled at BTAA member universities |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, 11:59 PM ET |
| Apply via | Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) |
| Cycle note | Select 2027 as the fellowship cycle in SOLAA |
| BTAA page | btaa.org - Smithsonian Fellowship |
| Smithsonian guide | Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) |
What Is the BTAA - Smithsonian Partnership?
The Big Ten Academic Alliance, founded in 1958, is a consortium of major U.S. research universities that collaborate on academic programmes, student opportunities, and shared resources. Through this fellowship, BTAA doctoral students gain funded access to the Smithsonian's collections, labs, archives, and expert staff - one of the world's largest museum and research complexes.
Under the programme, the Smithsonian Institution and your university share fellowship support. Students apply directly through SOLAA; awards can support research across anthropology, natural history, American history, art history, conservation science, astrophysics, and many interdisciplinary fields listed in the Smithsonian fields of research.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend of approximately $42,000 - $45,000 for a 12-month tenure (prorated for shorter appointments)
- Research in residence at Smithsonian museums, archives, or research centres
- Access to collections, libraries, conservation labs, and Smithsonian professional staff
- Shared funding model between Smithsonian and your BTAA home institution
- Potential for multiple awards per campus in recent cycles (check current BTAA guidance)
Smithsonian predoctoral fellows through the broader SIFP may also qualify for up to $5,000/year in research allowance - confirm what applies to your BTAA award category in SOLAA.
Who Can Apply
- Current doctoral candidates (PhD students) enrolled at a Big Ten Academic Alliance member university
- Research proposal must fit a discipline pursued at the Smithsonian
- Must identify a Smithsonian research staff member as principal advisor/host
- University must certify that dissertation research at the Smithsonian is approved (for predoctoral applicants)
- Strong English writing and communication skills required - all materials in English
Contact potential Smithsonian advisors before you apply. The publication Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study lists staff specialties and helps you match your project to the right unit.
How to Apply
- Read the BTAA Smithsonian Fellowship page and the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program guide.
- Identify a Smithsonian advisor and confirm collections or facilities are available for your tenure dates.
- Create an account on SOLAA and select the fellowship under the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI).
- Enter 2027 as the cycle when prompted (for the 2026 application round).
- Upload required materials: abstract, research proposal (max 6 double-spaced pages), timeline, budget justification, bibliography, CV (max 4 pages), transcripts, and two referee contacts.
- Submit before 15 October 2026, 11:59 PM ET. Decisions are typically communicated via SOLAA around mid-March.
If tenure is awarded, fellowships generally begin between June 1, 2027 and May 30, 2028, starting on the 1st or 3rd Monday of the month.
Required Application Materials (SOLAA)
- Abstract (max 1 page, double-spaced)
- Research proposal (max 6 pages, double-spaced) - methodology, significance, why Smithsonian, named advisor(s)
- Timeline for full-time research tenure
- Budget and justification (research allowance - predoctoral applicants may request up to $5,000/year)
- Bibliography
- CV (max 4 pages)
- Transcripts (graduate; unofficial acceptable)
- Two reference letters via SOLAA (not from your proposed Smithsonian advisor)
Official Links
Apply - SOLAA (Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System)
BTAA - Smithsonian Fellowship overview
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
Smithsonian fields of research
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FAQs - BTAA Smithsonian Fellowship 2026
Do I apply through my university or directly?
Doctoral candidates at BTAA member schools apply directly through SOLAA, not through a separate campus-only portal.
Why do I enter 2027 in the application?
The October 2026 deadline is for the fellowship cycle that begins in 2027. SOLAA asks you to select 2027 as the cycle year.
How much is the stipend?
BTAA lists about $42,000 for a 12-month fellowship; Smithsonian predoctoral SIFP stipends are $45,000/year. Amounts are prorated for shorter tenures.
Can master's students apply?
This BTAA partnership targets doctoral candidates. Smithsonian's separate 10-week Graduate Student Fellowship in SIFP is a different category.
When is the deadline?
15 October 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
When will I hear back?
Smithsonian typically notifies applicants through SOLAA around mid-March after the October deadline.
