Research Opportunities

Fellowships | Travel to collections awards | Archival internships

The Lemelson Center Fellows Program

About: The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program supports projects that present creative approaches to the study of invention and innovation in American society. These include, but are not limited to, historical research and documentation projects resulting in publications, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and multimedia products.

The program provides access to the expertise of the Institution's research staff and the vast invention and technology collections of the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The NMAH Archives Center documents both individuals and firms across a range of time periods and subject areas including railroads, musical instruments, television, radio, plastics, and sports equipment. Representative collections include the Western Union Telegraph Company Records, ca. 1840-1994; the Earl S. Tupper Papers, documenting Tupper, and his invention, Tupperware; and the Howard Head Papers, documenting the inventor of Head-brand fiberglass skis and Prince tennis rackets.

The Lemelson Center invites applications covering a broad spectrum of research topics that resonate with its mission to foster a greater understanding of invention and innovation, broadly defined. However, the Center especially encourages project proposals that will illuminate the role of women inventors; inventors with disabilities; inventors from diverse backgrounds; or any inventions and technologies associated with groups that are traditionally under-represented in the historical record. Pertinent NMAH collections include the papers of Victor L. Ochoa, a Mexican-American aeronautical inventor; the papers of Dr. Patricia Bath, an African-American inventor of a patented cataracts treatment; and the HIV/AIDS and LGBT Reference Collections, which document innovative public health programs and associated technologies. For a comprehensive list of Archives Center collections, see http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d-10.htm.

Eligibility: The Center annually awards 2 to 3 fellowships to pre-doctoral graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and other professionals who have completed advanced training. Fellows are expected to reside in the Washington, D.C. area, to participate in the Center's activities, and to make a presentation of their work to colleagues at the museum.

Awards: Fellowship tenure is based upon the applicants’ stated needs (and available funding) up to a maximum of ten weeks. Stipends for 2012-2013:

• Pre-doctoral: $575/week
• Post-doctoral/Professional: $870/week

The Application Process:

**Note: Researchers are required to consult with the Fellowship Coordinator prior to submitting a proposal (see contacts below).

Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA): https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html

• From the SOLAA homepage, clink the link that reads: “New to SOLAA? Create Account here.”
• Once you have created a SOLAA account and successfully logged in, click “Manage Applications” then “Add New Application.”
• For “Program Type” select “Fellowship/Other Academic Appointment”
• For “Office/Museum/Research Center” select “National Museum of American History”
• For “Program that you wish to apply for” select “National Museum of American History Lemelson Center Fellowship”
• Click “Add Application” to proceed with entering your information and uploading your documents.

A complete application for a Lemelson Center Fellowship consists of:

• Abstract: A brief project description (no longer than two double-spaced pages)
• Bibliography: A summary of literature relevant to the proposed research (no longer than 5 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Project/Research proposal: A detailed description of the project (approx. 10-12 double-spaced pages), including relevance to the Lemelson Center’s mission; methodology; schedule; Smithsonian resources (objects, archival collections, staff members, etc) to be consulted during the fellowship; and the intended product or result of your work.
• Three References: Applicants will solicit letters of support from three references who are familiar with their work. Applicants will supply their references’ contact information and SOLAA will send a system-generated email with instructions for uploading the letters. Note: Smithsonian staff members may not write recommendation letters.

All application materials will be made available to the Lemelson Center staff and its selection committee, which includes some outside advisors. The Lemelson Center Fellowship is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, condition of handicap, or national origin.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted via the SOLAA system by 15 January 2012. Fellowships will be announced by 15 April 2012. Fellows can begin their residence at the museum on or after 1 June 2012.

For more information, contact the Fellowship Coordinator:

Smithsonian resources: More information about Smithsonian collections and staff can be found on the following web sites:
• National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
• Archives Center, NMAH, Smithsonian Institution
• Smithsonian Institution Libraries
• Other Smithsonian museums and research facilities

Printed brochures about the Smithsonian and its collections are also available upon request.

Meet past Lemelson Fellows »