Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026: $45,000 Research Grant at Smithsonian Museum

Application Deadline: May 4, 2026

The Smithsonian Institution is inviting applications for the Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026, a respected research program hosted at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC. Designed for postdoctoral and senior scholars, the fellowship offers up to $45,000 in funding, plus research and travel support, for projects focused on Japanese visual arts.

Quick Facts

About the Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026

For scholars working in Japanese art history or related disciplines, this fellowship creates a rare window to step into one of the world’s most respected research environments. Hosted at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, fellows gain direct access to curated collections, archives, and a scholarly network that shapes global conversations around Asian art.

Rather than simply funding a project, the program is structured to support deep intellectual work, giving researchers time, space, and institutional backing to produce meaningful publications. Selected fellows are expected to engage actively with the museum’s academic community, sharing ideas and presenting their work as it evolves.

“This opportunity is officially offered by the Smithsonian Institution, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.”

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following conditions:

• Hold a postdoctoral or senior-level research profile
• Demonstrate a strong background in Japanese visual arts or closely related fields
• Present a research proposal with clear originality and publication potential
• Be available for a 3 to 9-month fellowship period (2026 cycle)
• Provide a well-structured research plan, budget, and supporting documents
• Secure two academic referees for recommendation letters

You may also like: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: €399 Million Fully Funded Research Opportunity (Apply by Sept 9)

Benefits

Successful applicants receive a well-rounded support package:

• Up to $45,000 stipend (prorated based on duration)
• Additional research and travel allowance (up to $5,000)
• Dedicated workspace and institutional resources
• Full access to Smithsonian collections, archives, and libraries
• Opportunity to collaborate within a global scholarly network
• Academic visibility through research presentations and publications

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is particularly suited to researchers who are ready to move beyond early-stage work and focus on producing impactful scholarship. If your work explores Japanese visual culture and you’re aiming to publish or expand your academic influence, this program offers both the credibility and environment to do so.

It also benefits scholars looking for international exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, or access to rare archival materials that are not easily available elsewhere.

Application Process

1. Prepare your application cover sheet (PDF)
2. Update your CV with full publication list
3. Write a research proposal (250-word summary + up to 2,000-word narrative)
4. Draft a research budget (maximum $5,000)
5. Request two recommendation letters
6. Submit all documents via email to FreerResearchCenter@si.edu.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English and completed carefully with all required documents. Make sure your proposal clearly shows the significance of your research and how it contributes to Japanese art scholarship.

For more details, visit Smithsonian Institution.