Smithsonian fellowships are offered to individuals who design and develop proposals to conduct independent research using the resources, including the collections and facilities, of the Institution.
Fellowships differ from internships, which are prearranged supervised learning experiences which take place in a specific timeframe.
The Smithsonian Institution encourages access to its research staff, collections, and reference materials by visiting scholars, scientists, and students. The Institution offers appointments for research and study using its collections, facilities, with the advice and guidance of its research staff members. These appointments enable qualified persons to make use of Smithsonian resources in pursuing studies related to their independent research. Appointments vary in duration, and many carry financial support.
The Smithsonian is committed to ensuring that all employees and affiliated persons (e.g. interns, research associates, fellows, and volunteers) are treated equitably in an environment that is free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, or marital status.