Deadline: August 31, 2023
Applications are open for the Smithsonian Environmental Justice Fellowship 2023-2024: Envisioning a Shared & Sustainable Future. The Smithsonian will award two to five 2-year Environmental Justice Fellowships starting in Fall 2023. Fellows will be able to leverage the Institution’s vast resources and expertise to study environmental injustice and inform potential solutions. All proposals are welcome, but the following focus areas have been suggested by Smithsonian scholars who are poised to serve as advisors.
Potential research themes include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental Justice Fellowship with the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM)
- Environmental justice and community health in coastal urban watersheds (SERC)
- Understanding and addressing barriers to agricultural and conservation programs (VWL)
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.
Eligibility
- Applicant should be enrolled in Masters degree program;
- Relevant research and community-based engagement preferred.
Application
The SOLAA application will allow you to upload the following files types (there is a 3MB limit and only the following types of documents are supported: .bmp, .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .xls, and .xlsx):
Applicants are encouraged to propose to conduct research in-residence at the Smithsonian based on the research topics listed in either the Smithsonian Climate Change Fellowship or Smithsonian Environmental Justice Fellowship. Your proposal should include the following components:
- Abstract: Abstract of the proposed research, not more than one page double spaced.
- Research Proposal: No more than 1500 words, double spaced with a maximum of 6 pages. (Excluding all other parts of the application, such as the abstract and bibliography). Paper size should be 8.5 by 11 inches (210 mm x 297 mm), do not use type smaller than 12-point font.
- Timeline: Estimate of time period for each phase of the research proposed for the full time period (regardless of one or two years).
- Diversity Statement:
- Address – How your perspective, experience, and/or project contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable discipline.
- No more than one (1) page, double spaced.
- This needs to be uploaded for the application material name “Other” in SOLAA.
- Budget and justification: Budget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itself (excluding stipend and relocation costs). You are encouraged to discuss potential research costs with your proposed advisor(s) before submitting your application. If the funds required to support the research exceed the maximum research allowance of $10,000, please explain the source of additional funds.
- Bibliography: Bibliography of literature relevant to the applicant’s proposed research.
- Curriculum vitae: Curriculum vitae, including previous and current fellowships, grants, and/or awards, and a description of your research interests. Also, if English is not your native language, describe the level of your proficiency in reading, conversing, and writing in English.
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable): Applicants for postdoctoral fellowships need only submit graduate transcripts. If transcripts or other materials are not in English, the applicant should provide translations.
- References: You will need the names and email addresses of two persons familiar with your work. Please note that all reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been specifically waived by the referee. Do not list Smithsonian staff members as your referees; they will have the opportunity to review your application after it is submitted. Provide a copy of your proposal and a copy of Letter to Referee (downloadable pdf) to your referees. Be sure reference letters are submitted by the application deadline.
Apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System. Select “Start Your Application” and only enter the program name.
For more information, visit Smithsonian Environmental Justice Fellowship.
