Lemelson Center Fellowship Program on Invention and Innovation
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 dissertations, publications, exhibitions, educational initiatives, documentary films, or other multimedia products.
The program provides access to the expertise of the Smithsonian's research staff(opens in new window)(opens in new window) and the vast invention and technology collections of the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The NMAH Archives Center(opens in new window)(opens in new window) documents both individuals and firms across a range of time periods and subject areas. Representative collections include the Western Union Telegraph Company Records(opens in new window)(opens in new window), ca. 1840–1994 and the Robert W. Kearns Papers(opens in new window)(opens in new window), which document the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper and Kearns’s defense of his patent. In addition, the NMAH Library offers long runs of historical technology serials like Scientific American and American Machinist, and the American Trade Literature collection(opens in new window)(opens in new window), which includes 300,000 catalogs, technical manuals, and advertising brochures for some 30,000 firms, primarily from 1880–1945. For a comprehensive catalog of objects, manuscripts, images, and research materials available at the NMAH (and other Smithsonian units), see the Smithsonian Collections Search Center(opens in new window)(opens in new window).
Topics: The Lemelson Center invites all applications covering the broad spectrum of research topics in the history of technology, invention, and innovation. The Center especially encourages proposals that align with one (or more) of its strategic research and programmatic areas, including (1) projects that illuminate inventors or technologies associated with under-represented groups; (2) projects that explore the broader ecosystem of individuals and institutions that support inventors, including inventors' professional organizations; angel investors, venture capitalists, and financiers; incubators and entrepreneurial coaches; patent agents and IP attorneys; product designers, manufacturers, and marketers; and bankruptcy-liquidation specialists; (3) projects exploring innovation in sports and sports technology; (4) projects that explore research-based activities in invention education, educational psychology, or learning theory; or (5) projects exploring the interconnections between art, invention, and the human experience. Our definition of “art” is broad, encompassing visual art, photography, music, dance, etc.
Eligibility: The Center annually awards two to three fellowships to pre-doctoral graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and other professionals (e.g. authors, journalists, attorneys) who have completed some advanced training (e.g. usually an MA or JD, but please inquire if you have questions). Undergraduates and Smithsonian staff should not apply. Fellows are expected to reside temporarily in the Washington, DC area, to participate in the Center's activities.
Awards: Fellowship tenure is based upon the applicants stated needs (and available funding) up to a maximum of 10 weeks. All stipends are subject to tax; non-US applicants should inquire about visa status and tax implications. Stipends for 2027:
Pre-doctoral: $900 per week
Post-doctoral/Professional: $1,140 per week
The Application Process: Researchers may wish to consult with the Fellowship Coordinator prior to submitting a proposal at lemcen@si.edu(opens in new window). We receive many inquiries during application season, so thanks for your patience, as it may take a few days to respond.
Applications must be completed in English.
Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA)(opens in new window)
