As the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex — with 21 museums, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, numerous science and cultural research centers, with projects across the U.S and around the world, including the newly launched Center for Environmental Justice at the Anacostia Community Museum — the Smithsonian Institution strives to play a leading role in addressing environmental justice. Through the Environmental Justice Fellowship, the Smithsonian seeks to support up to five fellows as they conduct independent research in the spirit of environmental justice. These fellows will be able to leverage the Smithsonian’s resources, including its researchers, collections, exhibits, and data sets, to advance environmental justice and equity in the face of climate change.
Fellows will be hosted by a Smithsonian museum or research center, and fellows must identify an advisor from one of these units. We encourage applicants to identify a second advisor from another Smithsonian museum or research center to foster cross-institutional collaboration.
Potential research themes include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental racism
- Community-driven outcomes in environmental research
- Pollution disparities and sustainable development
Specific Eligibility Criteria
Minimum: Completed at least one semester of a master's degree program or completed a master's degree program. Additionally, relevant research and community-based engagement is preferred.
Term: 24 months (mostly in residence)
Stipend: Recipients will receive a stipend of $62,000 per year. Stipends are prorated for periods of less than 24 months. A maximum research allowance up to $10,000 is available for the fellowship period.