Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program 2027–2028

The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program offers a rare and prestigious opportunity for scientists, writers, scholars, public intellectuals, and artists to dedicate a full academic year to pursuing ambitious independent projects. Based in Radcliffe Yard at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, fellows benefit from an intellectually vibrant, interdisciplinary community and access to Harvard's extraordinary resources.

The programme welcomes innovative proposals that engage pressing social, scientific, and policy issues, and encourages work that reaches audiences beyond academia. Reflecting Radcliffe's unique history, proposals focusing on women, gender, and society — or drawing on the Schlesinger Library's rich collections — are particularly welcomed, though not required. The Institute's current multiyear focus area (2024–2029) is academic freedom and connecting across difference, including topics such as political polarisation, inequality, religious pluralism, and the future of higher education. Proposals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics affected by federal research funding cuts are also encouraged.

Fellows receive a stipend of $78,000 USD plus $5,000 USD for project expenses, along with potential relocation, housing, and childcare support. Each fellow is provided with office or studio space in Byerly Hall and a full-time Harvard appointment as a visiting fellow, granting access to the Harvard Library system, athletic facilities, and a rich programme of professional development events and weekly fellows' talks. Residence in the Cambridge/Boston area from September through May is required.

Applications are accepted across the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, nonfiction, journalism, science, engineering, and mathematics. Applicants must meet discipline-specific eligibility criteria — generally requiring a relevant doctoral degree received at least four years prior to appointment and a demonstrated record of professional achievement. Those currently enrolled in a degree programme are not eligible, and the fellowship is not intended as a postdoctoral position.

The deadline for humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and nonfiction/journalism is 10 September 2026 at 5 PM ET. The deadline for science, engineering, and mathematics is 1 October 2026 at 5 PM ET. All applicants will be notified of outcomes by the end of March 2027.