The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is a distinguished postdoctoral fellowship that targets promising early-career scholars in the social sciences whose research transcends traditional academic boundaries. This program, hosted by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, is specifically designed for researchers who focus on comparative, transnational or domestic issues beyond the United States and Canada.
By offering a two-year in-residence fellowship at Harvard University, the program provides an exceptional environment for scholars to advance their work within a supportive and intellectually vibrant community. Scholars selected for this program benefit from a substantial annual stipend, access to world-class research resources and mentorship from senior scholars, all of which are geared towards fostering innovative research that contributes to a deeper understanding of global dynamics.
The Academy Scholars Program is particularly notable for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and its emphasis on global perspectives. By encouraging scholars to explore complex issues that cross traditional disciplinary lines, the program aims to push the boundaries of knowledge and address critical challenges in international and area studies.
The program is highly competitive, drawing applicants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, which further enriches the academic discourse at Harvard. Through this fellowship, scholars not only gain the opportunity to refine their research and engage with leading experts in their fields, but they also contribute to a broader global dialogue on issues that have significant implications for policy, society and academic scholarship.
Eligibility and Benefits of the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025/2026
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025/2026 is specifically designed for PhD level scholars at Harvard University, particularly those in the social sciences. The program offers a range of benefits, making it a highly sought-after fellowship for scholars in the early stages of their careers.
Available Subjects:
The program is open to candidates in the social sciences, reflecting its emphasis on interdisciplinary research that crosses traditional boundaries.
Program Benefits:
Each year, the program selects a small cohort of 5-6 Academy Scholars who will live and work at Harvard for a two-year period. Scholars are provided with an annual salary of $80,000, ensuring financial stability as they conduct their research. However, participants are required to complete the program within three years.
Program Start Date:
Selected scholars must begin the program in the fall semester immediately following their selection. Delays or postponements are not permitted.
Leave of Absence:
Between the first and second years of the program, scholars may request a one-time leave of up to 12 months. This leave is granted only if the scholar is offered a permanent, tenure-track teaching position.
Funding Restrictions:
During the fellowship, scholars are not permitted to accept additional funding, awards or commitments outside of the program, ensuring their full dedication to their research and the academic community at Harvard.
Eligibility Criteria for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025/2026
The program is open to scholars of all nationalities, reflecting Harvard’s commitment to international diversity and inclusivity.
Who Can Apply:
This fellowship is available to individuals who have earned a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree in or after August 2023. It is also open to PhD candidates in the social sciences who are close to completing their dissertation. Candidates who anticipate completing their degree must be able to provide proof of completion by June 30, 2025, in order to begin the program on August 1, 2025. Notably, individuals who have already received a postdoctoral fellowship from Harvard are ineligible to apply for this program.
Application Process for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025/2026
Aspiring candidates for the Academy Scholars Program must adhere to the following application procedures:
Application Deadline:
The application deadline is September 20, 2024. All materials must be submitted electronically by this date, as late submissions will not be considered.
Required Application Materials:
- CV (Resume) with Publications List: Applicants must provide a brief summary of their educational background, professional experience and any published works.
- Research Proposal (2,000 words max): The proposal should outline the applicant’s research goals, methodologies and relevance to their field of study.
- Writing Sample (50 pages max): Applicants must submit a significant example of their academic writing, such as a dissertation chapter or a published journal article.
- PhD Transcript: An official transcript from the applicant’s doctoral program coursework must be provided.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should arrange for three references to submit recommendation letters on their behalf through the online application system by the deadline.
How to Apply:
Applicants must visit the Harvard Academy website and click on “Apply Online” to access the application portal. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted electronically in PDF format.
Additional Information:
Footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies may be included in the research proposal but are not required. Importantly, these elements do not count towards the 2,000-word limit for the proposal.
For applicants who completed their graduate studies outside the United States, the program requires the most official transcript documentation available from their respective universities. Most institutions are familiar with these requests and can provide the necessary documentation to support the application.
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025/2026 is a rare and valuable opportunity for social science scholars to advance their
academic careers in an intellectually stimulating environment. This program not only provides significant financial support but also fosters an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere where scholars can engage with peers and mentors from various disciplines. By bringing together a diverse group of researchers, the Harvard Academy aims to push the boundaries of knowledge and address complex global issues through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Program Overview and Goals:
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is structured to support early-career scholars whose research crosses traditional disciplinary lines, particularly in areas that have been underexplored or overlooked. The focus on comparative, transnational or domestic issues beyond the United States and Canada underscores the Academy’s commitment to broadening the scope of academic inquiry and contributing to a deeper understanding of global dynamics. Scholars selected for this program will be part of a vibrant intellectual community at Harvard, where they can collaborate with faculty, participate in seminars and engage in rigorous academic discussions that challenge conventional perspectives.
Key Benefits and Opportunities:
In addition to the generous annual stipend of $80,000, scholars will have access to a wide range of resources and support services that Harvard University offers. This includes access to world-class libraries, research facilities and academic networks that can significantly enhance their research capabilities. The program also emphasizes mentorship, with senior scholars from the Harvard Academy providing guidance and feedback to help scholars refine their research and achieve their academic goals. This mentorship is a crucial component of the program, offering scholars the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and develop their academic careers in a supportive environment.
Expectations and Commitments:
Scholars are expected to dedicate themselves fully to their research during the two-year fellowship. The program is structured to ensure that scholars can focus on their academic work without the distraction of external commitments. The funding restrictions, which prohibit scholars from accepting additional awards or commitments, are designed to facilitate this focus. Scholars are also expected to contribute to the academic community at Harvard by participating in seminars, workshops and other academic activities. This participation not only enriches the scholars’ own research but also contributes to the intellectual vibrancy of the Harvard Academy.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria:
The selection process for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program is highly competitive, reflecting the program’s commitment to academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background, with a particular emphasis on innovative research that challenges conventional disciplinary boundaries. The program is open to candidates from all nationalities, reinforcing Harvard’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. This international perspective is integral to the program, as it seeks to foster a global dialogue on critical issues that transcend national boundaries.
Application Process:
The application process is designed to be rigorous yet accessible, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are selected for the program. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of materials, including a CV, research proposal, writing sample and letters of recommendation. These materials are carefully reviewed by a selection committee, which evaluates the applicants’ academic achievements, research potential and alignment with the program’s goals. The deadline for submission is September 20, 2024 and all materials must be submitted electronically through the Harvard Academy’s application portal.
Final Thoughts:
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for early-career scholars to advance their research and academic careers in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. By providing generous financial support, access to world-class resources and mentorship from senior scholars, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in international and area studies. The emphasis on interdisciplinary research and global perspectives reflects Harvard’s commitment to addressing complex global challenges through innovative academic inquiry.
For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program represents a rare and invaluable opportunity. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by the September 20, 2024, deadline and take the first step towards becoming a part of this prestigious academic community.
FAQs
What is the Harvard Academy Scholars Program?
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship that offers early-career scholars in the social sciences a two-year, in-residence appointment at Harvard University. The program is designed for researchers whose work crosses traditional academic boundaries and focuses on comparative, transnational or domestic issues outside the United States and Canada.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is open to recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. Eligible candidates must have earned their PhD in or after August 2023. PhD candidates nearing completion of their dissertation are also eligible but must provide proof of degree completion by June 30, 2025, to start the program on August 1, 2025.
What does the fellowship offer?
Scholars receive an annual stipend of $80,000, substantial research support and mentorship from senior scholars at the Harvard Academy. The fellowship also provides access to Harvard’s extensive academic resources, including libraries, research facilities and academic networks.
How many scholars are selected each year?
Each year, a small cohort of 5-6 Academy Scholars is selected to participate in the program. This ensures a focused and supportive environment where scholars can collaborate and engage with their peers and mentors.
What kind of research topics are supported by the program?
The program supports research that is interdisciplinary and focuses on comparative, transnational or domestic issues beyond the United States and Canada. Scholars are encouraged to explore complex global issues and contribute to a broader understanding of international and area studies.
