The Radcliffe Fellowship is a highly competitive, fully funded one‑year residential fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute. Each year, up to 50 scholars including researchers, scientists, practitioners, public intellectuals, journalists, and artists are selected to pursue transformative individual or collaborative projects within Harvard’s rich interdisciplinary environment. Fellows actively engage with peers across disciplines and contribute to a vibrant intellectual community.
Location
- Country: United States
- City: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Host Institution: Harvard University, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study located in Radcliffe Yard at the heart of the Harvard campus.
Funding
- Annual stipend: US $78,000 + $5,000 for project expenses.
- Additional support:
- Relocation and housing allowances (e.g. up to $6,400 for single fellows, more with dependents)
- Childcare support
- Healthcare options
- Office or studio space in Byerly Hall
- Visiting fellow appointment with full access to Harvard resources (libraries, labs, students)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may apply in one of three categories: Humanities & Social Sciences; Creative Arts & Journalism; or Science, Engineering & Mathematics.
- Humanities / Social Sciences / Creative Arts: Doctoral degree awarded by December 2022; plus, humanities applicants need a monograph or two journal articles, while creative arts applicants require a substantial portfolio.
- Science / Engineering / Mathematics: Ph.D. awarded by December 2022; and at least 5 refereed journal articles.
- Public Intellectuals & Practitioners: Senior professionals with at least 10 years' experience in their field if applying as practitioners.
- Open to any nationality, as long as not a former Radcliffe fellow.
Application Date
- The application portal opens in mid‑2025; the 2026–27 application is now available via the official Harvard Radcliffe website.
Application Deadline
- Humanities, Social Sciences & Creative Arts: 11 September 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- Science, Engineering & Mathematics: 30 September 2025, 11:59 PM ET
Duration of Program or Opportunity
- 1 academic year: typically from September 2026 to May 2027. Fellows are expected to be in residence in Cambridge for the duration of the program.
Application Process
- Register on the Radcliffe Institute application portal.
- Complete application including key sections:
- CV
- Project proposal (1400 words + 150‑word abstract)
- Writing or work sample
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- Indicate application category and upload materials before the deadline.
- Selection is blind to citizenship and based on disciplinary excellence, project innovation, and ability to enrich Radcliffe’s interdisciplinary atmosphere.
- Accepted fellows join cohort activities, seminars, and a vibrant intellectual community at Harvard starting September 2026.
Application Website
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