Science Visiting Scholarships

Visiting the Field Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most extensive natural history collections. Scholars gain hands-on access to specimens, cutting-edge research facilities, and the chance to engage in meaningful collaborations, fostering new ideas, publications, and lasting professional connections. Successful candidates will lead independent or interdisciplinary research projects under the guidance of one or more Field Museum scientists. 

To assist in preparing your application, a proposal template is included to help structure your research plan and objectives. We encourage all interested scientists to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to advance their work in a vibrant research environment.

Please read the general guidance from the Museum’s immigration attorney for foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. here.

Key Dates & Submission Info

  • Submission deadline: November 3 2025.
  • Submission application

Funding Details

  • Award Amount for Domestic Applicants: Up to $2,500 USD.
  • Award Amount for International Applicants: Up to $4,000 USD.
  • Number of Awards: Multiple awards anticipated.
  • Funding Start Date: January 1, 2026. Visits should occur in 2026 unless otherwise approved.

What We’re Looking For

  • Conduct innovative research using the Field Museum’s collections or explore under-studied specimens.
  • Leverage existing collections to uncover new findings or reinterpret historic material.
  • Contribute to advancing the Museum’s scientific resources, including collection development, conservation, or collaborative initiatives

Applicant’s Eligibility

  • U.S. Visitors: Must be affiliated with a recognized academic or research institution.  
  • International Visitors: Eligible applicants include research scholars, professors, or postdoctoral researchers affiliated with an academic institution.
  • International Students: Must be enrolled in a post undergraduate program (Master's or Ph.D.); undergraduate students are NOT eligible.
  • Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received this scholarship.

Field Museum Sponsor’s Eligibility

  • Must hold a current, full-time, regular staff position at the Field Museum within CC&R.
  • Must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field (preferred), or at minimum an M.Sc.
  • Must have an active and strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Term Research Scientists are eligible to serve as sponsors.
  • Postdoctoral Scientists are NOT eligible to serve as sponsors.
  • To ensure a fair and focused selection process, each curator or sponsor may endorse up to two applicants per funding cycle. Sponsors who submit endorsement letters for more than two applicants will render all associated applications ineligible for this round.

Connecting with Potential Curators & Sponsors: All applicants must reach out to a Field Museum scientist to discuss mentorship and project alignment prior to applying. One letter or endorsement from a FM sponsor is required with your application.

Letters of Endorsement

  • The letter must be received by November 3, 2025. Applications missing the sponsor’s letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. The letter must confirm the curator/sponsor’s commitment to support and collaborate on the proposed project. It should briefly describe how the project fits within the Museum’s research priorities and outline the sponsor’s role during the fellowship.
  • Letters must be submitted through the official submission link; emailed or hard copy letters will not be accepted.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials as a single PDF file (items 1 to 4 only) to be considered for funding.

  1. Research Proposal: (2-page maximum) (A proposal template is included to help structure your ideas).
  2. Curriculum Vitae: Highlight academic achievements, research experience, publications, and outreach.
  3. CAT Communication: A brief email (provided by the Curator/Sponsor) copying all CAT members to confirm they are aware of your proposed project.
  4. Museum Facilities Approval Letter: If your proposal includes the use of Field Museum labs (Grainger Bioinformatics Center, Pritzker DNA Lab, Negaunee Integrative Research Center Core Labs or other specialized resources) your Curator/Sponsor must work with you to contact the appropriate facility director to confirm feasibility of the work, budgetary alignment, and permissions and logistics.

Contact Us

For more information about Visiting Scholarships or your application, email scholarship@fieldmuseum.org.