- 
10
Sep 08: 
We offer something for almost everyone! Distinguished scholars and professionals can also be part of the Museum community through our scholarly academic appointments. An academic appointment provides a formal affiliation with the Institution, often lasting for many years.
Scholars seeking an academic appointment must be formally nominated by a member of the NMNH research community. A complete curriculum vita is required as part of the nomination packet as well as reprints of recent publications. All nominations must first be approved by the sponsoring NMNH Department Chair before being reviewed by the Museum Director and Associate Director for Research and Collections (ADRC). Before approving of an appointment the Director and ADRC carefully evaluate each new and renewing nomination to determine the contributions of the nominee to scholarly endeavors of the Museum.
Nominations are considered twice each year, May 1 and November 1. Appointments are generally for a three year term and may be renewed.
The appointment categories are:
Adjunct Scientist: The title of Adjunct Scientist is awarded by NMNH to distinguished professionals who significantly contribute to the intellectual life of the Museum through their in-residence participation in the care and curation of the collections; active research and publication record; service on NMNH and/or SI panels and committees; and mentoring of students working with NMNH scientific staff.
Adjunct Scientists have achieved a doctorate; have professional status within their scientific community; have an active publication record, including at least one scholarly publication each year; and demonstrate a commitment to the NMNH scientific community through their regular in-residence participation in the scholarly activities of the Museum. Most appointments are for three years and may be renewed. There are currently 7 scientists within the NMNH community who have been awarded the title as Adjunct Scientist.
In addition, scientists from our affiliated agencies who are in-residence at the Museum are awarded the title of Adjunct Scientist, reflecting the important role they play in the Museum community. These affiliated agencies include US Department of Interior US Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division; US Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service; US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service; and US Department of Defense Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. These appointments are reviewed/renewed every five years and generally remain effective as long as the nominee is employed by the agency. If her/his status changes in any way (e.g., retirement), the appointment is re-evaluated as part of the next review cycle. There are 37 scientists from our affiliated agencies awarded the title Adjunct Scientist.
Research Associate: Research Associates are professional scholars who formally and actively collaborate with NMNH scientific staff through collaborative projects, proposal submission, co-authored publications, etc. including regular use of the NMNH research and collection facilities. Research Associates have achieved a degree, usually a doctorate, and have professional status within their academic community; they are generally affiliated with a recognized academic institution as active (sometimes retired) staff and have an active publication record, including at least one scholarly publication within the past two years. Most appointments are for three years and may be renewed.
Research Collaborator: Collaborators (aka Research Collaborators) are those professionals working independently within the National Museum of Natural History research and collection facilities or informally collaborating with members from the NMNH community on scientific endeavors. Collaborators have achieved an academic degree and hold professional status within the scientific community. Collaborators must contribute to the professional community through regular scholarly publication and presentation at professional meetings. Most appointments are for three years and may be renewed.
Student: This appointment type encompasses those individuals who are actively pursuing their education at a college or university but have not yet achieved professional status. The formal designation "Student" acknowledges long-term, active collaboration between an individual and NMNH staff. Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, their tenure must not exceed two years after receipt of degree, and they must be engaged in active scholarly collaboration with NMNH staff including regular visits to the Museum.
The listing of individuals awarded the title of Student is included as part of our fellows community listing.
Individuals awarded an academic appointment by the National Museum of Natural History are not employees of the Smithsonian and do not receive pay or financial award as part of the appointment.
Other appointment titles
Visiting Scientist: The title of Visiting Scientist is given to scholars in-residence at the Museum who are independently utilizing the facilties and collections. This is not a formal academic appointment.
Emeritus: Emeritus status is awarded to NMNH research staff who have elected to retire, but remain active in the Museum community. NMNH Scientists who choose to retire are often highly productive and have no intention of ceasing their research activities. As researchers and colleagues, they remain important to international science and to our intellectual community within the museum. Because of their experience in a specialized field, they usually have a unique role to play within the academic community. Researchers with Emeritus status are no longer employees of the Smithsonian and do not receive pay or financial award as part of the appointment.