Q: What are the benefits and expectations of being a SAAM Fellow?
A: One of the benefits of a SAAM fellowship is the opportunity to become part of a scholarly community. Each cohort of fellows participates in professional development programming, writing groups, area field trips, gallery talks, and end-of-tenure public lectures. This sense of scholarly community extends beyond the fellows' cohort, and their residency in Washington, as they become integral parts of a vibrant alumni network and an expanding field of scholars. To foster intellectual exchange, fellows are expected to be in residence full time at the museum, where they will be provided with a study carrel and access to the Smithsonian’s holdings of primary and secondary resources. Fieldwork that will last longer than three weeks requires advanced approval from the Smithsonian fellowship advisor and program head.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: No, Smithsonian fellows are expected to secure their own housing and cover all living expenses, including public transit fees, out of their stipend. The Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) publishes some helpful guidance on living in Washington, DC.
Q: Are stipends taxable?
A: Yes, all funds provided, including stipends and research and travel allowances, are subject to tax. Fellows are expected to track their payments and are responsible for meeting their own state and federal tax obligations.
Q: How do I apply for named fellowships at SAAM, such as the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship?
A: For most named SAAM fellowships (Barnet, Corn, Douglass, Frankenthaler, Frost, Gurney, Taylor, Truettner, and Wyeth Fellowships), researchers should apply to the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) to be automatically be considered for any relevant awards. The Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship and Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art have standalone applications.
Q: Can I apply for more than one fellowship at SAAM in a given year?
A: Yes, you may submit multiple applications (e.g., to SIFP and the Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship); however, you may only accept one offer in a given year.
Q: I don’t see an application for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) under SAAM's name in the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). How do I find it?
A: The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program is administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. Once inside SOLAA, under Search for Programs, you will see a field labeled Office/Museum/Research Center. From the drop-down menu, select Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. From there, you can select the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program application that is appropriate for you (graduate student, predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior).
Q: If I want my fellowship to be hosted by SAAM, can I propose a fellowship co-advisor or consultant based at a different Smithsonian unit?
A: Yes, as long as the primary sponsor is based at SAAM. Applicants with interdisciplinary projects are encouraged to identify co-advisors or consultants at multiple Smithsonian units.
Q: How do I identify the best Smithsonian fellowship advisor(s) for my research project?
A: A directory of Smithsonian research staff and their specialties is available in the Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS) Guide. SAAM also provides bios of select staff on its website. Additional queries can be directed to SAAM’s Fellowship Office at SAAMFellowships@si.edu.
Q: I reached out to my potential Smithsonian fellowship advisor(s), but I have not heard back. Can I still list that person on my application?
A: Yes. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential Smithsonian advisors early in the application process with a brief description of their topic to allow them enough time to respond. As the application deadline approaches, though, many staff are inundated with inquiries. If you do not hear back from your choice of advisor by the application deadline, you may still submit their name. SAAM may assign you a different advisor during the award process if your first choice is unavailable.
Q: Is it appropriate to list on my application the research resources that I hope to utilize at other Smithsonian museums? What about non-Smithsonian institutions, such as the Library of Congress and National Archives and Records Administration?
A: Yes. SAAM fellows are encouraged to use collections and archives across the institution and in the Washington, D.C. area.
Q: Must reference letters be submitted at the same time as the application?
A: Yes, please remind your referees of all deadlines and have them check their Spam folder if they have not received the reference request link from SOLAA. Candidates can check their SOLAA application to determine if their letters of recommendation have been submitted. Applicants are encouraged to follow-up with referees who have not yet submitted. If your referee is having difficulty submitting via SOLAA, email SAAMFellowships@si.edu.
Q: In the application, under Program Choices, I am asked to indicate where I am traveling from and traveling to. What should I enter in those fields?
A: SAAM fellowships are residential, so you should list your current city of residence in the first field, and enter Washington, D.C., in the second field.
Q: Does SAAM offer non-residential fellowships?
A: Although we recognize that relocation to the Washington, D.C., region is not possible for everyone, SAAM’s fellowship program is dedicated to supporting on-site research and in-person scholarly exchange. Fellows’ programming is clustered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to allow for concentrated days in archives and collections. Those whose personal circumstances (i.e., financial constraints, employment conditions, care-giving responsibilities, or other limitations) preclude longer-term residencies may wish to apply for the Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship, a one-month award.
Q: Are there length limits for the different sections in the application?
A: Detailed application instructions for each program are included on their respective webpages: SIFP, Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship, and Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship.
Q: Can I include images in my proposal?
A: Yes, these can be included in the proposal narrative and count toward the page-count limit.
Q: Should my proposal narrative cover my general research project or specifically what I plan to research while at SAAM?
A: Both. The best proposals give the committee a broad overview of your project and an in-depth explanation of your research plan. It’s also important to provide a detailed chapter outline of your dissertation or book project as you see it unfolding at time of application. Your timetable should be as detailed as possible, identifying when you plan to write certain chapters and access specific collections.
Q: What types of expenses are eligible for inclusion in the proposed research budget request?
A: The research allowance is intended to support the cost of essential research-related travel during your Smithsonian fellowship, as well as equipment, supplies, or other support required to conduct the research itself. Trips that will last longer than three weeks require advanced approval from the Smithsonian fellowship advisor and program head. Trips for research in the location where you are relocating from are unlikely to be approved. You may include the cost of meals and incidentals during travel using the GSA’s M&IE guide. Your budget request should not include costs for relocation, as that is awarded separately. The Smithsonian cannot provide funds for travel or living expenses of dependents or provide funding for a research assistant.
Q: Are there any special requirements for applicants researching Indigenous art and visual culture?
A: Applicants who are conducting research with Indigenous communities should provide information on the current state of consultation or collaboration with Indigenous artists and estates, knowledge holders, and communities relevant to the work; knowledge of appropriate contacts; and plans for sharing research findings with these communities. A letter of support from a tribal community member, knowledge holder, artist, or artist’s estate will strengthen a proposal and may be submitted as an additional reference letter. If applying to the Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art, such a letter of support is required. Please note that any researcher requesting access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive items in Smithsonain collections must obtain and provide proof of permission from an authorized tribal official prior to viewing.
Q: What Smithsonian policies apply to fellows whose projects involve research with human subjects?
A: Smithsonian fellows are required to comply with Smithsonian Directive 606 “Research Involving Human Subjects.” Fellows whose research involves collecting data from human subjects must demonstrate formal certification in the protection of human participants or undergo the Smithsonian’s two-part training. Fellows whose projects will entail research with Smithsonian visitors must apply for Smithsonian IRB approval. Questions? Email SAAMFellowships@si.edu.