Competitive program funded by the Smithsonian and generous donors open to all nationalities.

February 15 and October 15 of each year.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program approximately 6-8 weeks after each application deadline. Internships usually begin approximately two months after notification of acceptance into the program, but the start date is flexible.

The purpose of the STRI General Internship Program is to provide a place for internship applicants who are generally interested in STRI’s science to pursue a research experience with one of our scientific mentors based on their interests. Interns are selected based on merit and potential for achievement. We encourage you to review the projects listed on our Internship Opportunities page to find a match between your academic interests and a suitable research project overseen by STRI scientists. If have troubles identifying a suitable project, you could learn more about our scientific staff and research associates scientific interests on their webpages. Twice each year, a committee meets to distribute Federal funds and funds from generous donors who support our internship program. Certain funds are especially designated to support Latin American scholars. Applications are received through the Smithsonian Institution Online Academic Appointments system (SOLAA).

Application is open to undergraduates and recent graduates from any nationality who are interested in the research areas represented by STRI scientists.

Our competitive paid internships provide a stipend to cover living expenses while at STRI (currently $1,250/month for up to 3 months, a total amount of $3,750 for stipend) and a round-trip coach airfare. Partial awards are occasionally given depending on funding availability. This internship does not include any research allowances.

Sometimes a research project has its own funding, and a scientist or graduate student is able to pay an intern. For information about current opportunities, visit our Internship Opportunities page.

The intern is funded by their own university or another source. You have the option to  contact directly a potential mentor from the list of our scientific staff and research associates or learn about our Internship Opportunities page. Once you have identified a project and mentor, please contact the academic programs office at STRIFellows@si.edu to let you know the next steps.

The RaMP-UP Tropical Biodiversity Fellowship is a one-year paid research experience with Smithsonian scientists and a cohort of peers in the Tropics. Fellows will spend the year engaged in a biodiversity project (visit our webpage for a list of possible projects you can get involved in), and will be embedded in the tropical landscapes of Panamá practicing rigorous methodologies to make a lasting impact on tropical biodiversity.

March 16, 2025

July 26, 2025- July 26, 2026

• Must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in the past 4 years (in or after May 2021) from a U.S. accredited institution.
• Cannot be enrolled in, nor have completed, a graduate degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

March 22, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program approximately 4 weeks after the application deadline.

Through the SENACYT Academic stays Program, we are looking for undergraduate or master’s students who wish to complete their thesis during a paid 9-month internship at STRI.
Thanks to a generous donation, we are ALSO looking for undergraduates from universities in Latin America who have completed coursework or post baccalaureates (recent graduates) to conduct a paid 9-month internship at STRI.

• Duration: 9-month paid internship
•   Cohort Model: Includes a two-week orientation
•   Teaching Sessions during the Internship: Practical workshops will be organized to strengthen skills in research, data analysis, scientific writing, and professional development in the STEM field.
•   Program Dates: April to December 2025