Feb 7, 2016
Smithsonian
National Museum of American History
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
Announcing the 2016-2017 Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship
The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation is pleased to announce the creation of the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). We seek to appoint an experienced author or senior scholar from the history of technology, science and technology studies, business history, museum studies, STEAM education, or an allied field. The specific arrangement is flexible: the Molella Distinguished Fellow may use the funds as a sabbatical supplement; for several short-duration visits; for a single residency focused on research and writing; or for a series of lectures leading to a major publication. We invite the Molella Distinguished Fellow to participate in the intellectual life and programmatic activities of the museum; to take advantage of the expertise of the museum’s research staff; and to consult the Institution’s vast invention and technology collections (see http:/collections.si.edu/). The Lemelson Center will assist in arranging a visa for non-US citizens, provide a workspace, and facilitate startup procedures at the Smithsonian.
The Lemelson Center invites applications covering a broad spectrum of research topics in the history of technology, invention, and innovation. However, strong preference in the selection of the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellow will be given to projects 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 making and training of inventors and innovators; (3) innovation in sports; (4) the role of risk and failure in invention and innovation; or (5) 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.
About Arthur P. Molella, PhD
The Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship is endowed by The Lemelson Foundation in recognition of Dr. Arthur P. Molella’s scholarly contributions in recording and celebrating the history and importance of invention and innovation in American society. During his 40+ years at the Smithsonian, and as founding director (emeritus) of the Lemelson Center, Molella has been responsible for collecting initiatives, major exhibitions, and numerous publications that have explored Joseph Henry’s scientific contributions; science in American life; Nobel laureates; foundational scholars (e.g. Mumford, Usher, Gideon) in the history of technology; eco-cities and connections between technology and the environment; museum strategies and best practices; the history of world’s fairs and expos; and the influences of culture, play, and place in the inventive process.
Stipend and Residency: $35,000 (US). Funds may be used flexibly to support travel for several short-term visits; living expenses for longer residences up to six months; and related research expenses. Dates are flexible. Fellows may begin their residencies on/after June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017.
To Apply: For application procedures, please visit http://invention.si.edu/arthur-molella-distinguished-fellowship. Applications are due 31 March 2016. For more information, please contact the fellowship coordinator, Eric S. Hintz, PhD, hintze@si.edu, +1 202-633-3734.
