Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program 2027–2028
Organisation: Harvard Radcliffe Institute
Programme: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
Duration: One academic year
Application deadline:
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nonfiction & Journalism: 10 September 2026, 5pm ET
- Science, Engineering & Mathematics: 1 October 2026, 5pm ET
About the Fellowship
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program offers scientists, writers, scholars, public intellectuals, and artists the opportunity to pursue ambitious research or creative projects during a full academic year within Harvard University’s interdisciplinary environment.
The programme supports innovative work addressing significant social, scientific, and policy issues while encouraging engagement with audiences beyond academia.
Applications are welcomed across a broad range of disciplines. While not required, proposals focusing on women, gender, and society or drawing on the Schlesinger Library’s collections are particularly encouraged.
The Institute also welcomes proposals connected to its 2024–2029 focus area: Academic Freedom and Connecting Across Difference. Relevant projects may explore topics including:
- Academic freedom and free inquiry
- Diversity of thought
- Political polarisation
- Inequality
- Religious pluralism and religion in public life
- Higher education policy
- New or transformative disciplinary approaches
In addition, proposals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that address areas affected by recent federal research funding cuts are encouraged.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet discipline-specific eligibility requirements within their chosen field.
Please note:
- Applicants must not be currently enrolled in a degree programme.
- The fellowship is not intended as a postdoctoral programme.
- Academics at all career stages are welcome to apply; tenure is not required.
- Former Harvard Radcliffe Fellows (1999–present) are not eligible.
Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Project proposal (maximum 1,400 words, plus bibliography where appropriate)
- Writing sample or work sample
- Contact details for three referees, who will be invited to submit letters of recommendation
All application materials must be submitted through the online fellowship application portal.
How to Apply
Applicants must first create an account in the online application portal using their name, email address, and password.
After registering, applicants can select one of the following application areas:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Creative Arts
- Nonfiction and Journalism
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
