The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation in DC offers predoc and postdoc scholars 2-3 fellowships for research in invention for 10 weeks. The National Museum of American History (NMAH) and the Smithsonian Institution (SI) also support this fellowship program. The NMAH Archives include business records and historical technology serials. The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation is located in Washington, DC. The Lemelson Center invites applications covering a broad spectrum of research topics in the history of technology, invention, and innovation. However, the Center especially encourages project proposals whose topics align with one (or more) of the Lemelson Center’s strategic research and programmatic areas, including: (1) the role of place in invention and innovation; (2) the cultivation and training of inventors and innovators; (3) innovation in sports; (4) the role of risk and failure in invention and innovation; (5) the role of venture capitalists and other intermediaries (e.g. patent attorneys, incubators, designers, etc) in the process of innovation; or (6) projects that illuminate inventors from diverse backgrounds or any inventions and technologies associated with groups (e.g. women, minorities, disabled, LGBT, etc.) that are traditionally under-represented in the historical record.

Scholars and professionals must be pre- or postdoctoral candidates or have completed advanced professional training. Fellows are expected to reside in the Washington, DC area. Researchers are encouraged to consult with the Fellowship Coordinator prior to submitting a proposal. Abstract. Bibliography. CV. Project/research proposal. 3 letters of reference.

Current Graduate Student. Postdoctoral Scholar.

Humanities. Social Sciences. Arts and Architecture. For the study of invention and innovation in American society.

Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation
National Museum of American History (NMAH); Smithsonian Institution (SI)

Last Updated :: 08/30/2019
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