About the Queensland–Smithsonian Fellowship program

The Queensland–Smithsonian Fellowship program provides unique opportunities to access the expertise, facilities and collections of the Smithsonian Institution. The program funds fellows from Queensland’s research, education and cultural sectors to visit the United States and/or Panama and complete a collaborative project with a Smithsonian Institution facility.

Fellowships are awarded for a diverse range of projects, including those in the natural sciences and history, cultural heritage, arts or museum management.

Fellows will increase their knowledge and skills in areas of mutual interest with the Smithsonian Institution and apply these to benefit their work and their home organisations in Queensland.

Benefits of the fellowship

For fellows

Undertaking a fellowship provides unparalleled opportunities to work with the globally recognised expertise, facilities, collections, and research of the Smithsonian, bringing immediate benefits to projects. Past fellows also found that the experience they gain boosts their confidence as leaders and their ability to contribute more strongly to their field of expertise.

“I do not think my career would have flourished in the same way as it did without undertaking the Smithsonian Fellowship.”

“The fellowship helped me establish ongoing collaborations with esteemed US researchers.”

For institutions

Links with the Smithsonian Institution has resulted in enhanced international reputation and visibility, greater institutional capabilities and the potential for attracting new collaborative projects and investments.

Available funding

Funding of up to $32,600 (excluding GST) is available for fellows to travel and stay in the United States of America or Panama for projects running for 8–16 weeks in duration. Funds are to be used for travel and a weekly living allowance.

Important dates

Applications close 2pm AEST Wednesday 14 May 2025.

An announcement of successful applications will be made mid 2025.

The Fellowship must be completed within 12 months of notification of the award.

Who can apply

The applicant organisation must be a Queensland-based research, educational, cultural institution or government agency that employs staff working in an area of interest to Smithsonian Institution facilities.

The Queensland applicant organisation nominates the proposed fellow (an employee of the agency) in the application. The applicant organisation must pay the Fellow’s salary while the Fellow undertakes the fellowship.

To be eligible, the proposed fellow must:

  • be an Australian resident or have Australian residency
  • live and work in Queensland
  • be employed by the applicant organisation
  • not have previously received a fellowship
  • apply as an individual—joint applications will not be considered.

Project areas

Fellowship proposals must address at least one of the target investment areas identified in the program guidelines.

Arrangements need to be made with a potential Smithsonian advisor on a project prior to submitting an application to the Queensland Government. If you do not already have a connection with the Smithsonian visit Smithsonian Opportunities for Research to identify potential advisors and collaborators to develop your project proposal.

Guidelines and conditions

Information on eligibility criteria, assessment of applications and how to apply for a fellowship can be found in the guidelines.

How to apply

You must apply online via SmartyGrants. Your application must include the following supporting documents:

  • PDF signed Financial Incentive Agreement Declaration
  • PDF scanned signed letter of endorsement from the application organisation (the proposed Fellow’s Queensland employer)
  • PDF scanned evidence of support from the proposed hosting Smithsonian Institution facility (for example a signed letter or email).

Key resources

Further information

Email: science.grants@des.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 3330 6360