University renowned for its dedication to fostering transformative, interdisciplinary research. Positioned at the intersection of diverse academic disciplines and creative practices, the Institute provides a stimulating environment that attracts scholars, scientists, artists, and public intellectuals from around the globe. With its commitment to innovation and public engagement, the Institute remains a beacon for those seeking to challenge norms and broaden intellectual boundaries.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Harvard Radcliffe Institute is one of the world’s premier centers for advanced study. The Institute promotes excellence and inclusivity through its fellowship programs and public initiatives, nurturing a vibrant intellectual community where new ideas flourish. Each year, the Radcliffe Fellowship Program offers select individuals the chance to dedicate themselves fully to a significant project in a nurturing, collaborative environment.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: University of Iowa
- Host Country: USA ;
- Study Level: Undergraduate, GraduateLevel;
- Scholarship Type: Partial Funding;
- Scholarship Worth: 2,000$ ;
- Eligible Countries: International students;
- Subjects Available: All subjects;
- Application Deadline: October 24th, 2025.
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026 is a highly competitive program that supports exceptional scholars, scientists, artists, and practitioners from around the world. The fellowship provides a rare opportunity for individuals to step away from their professional obligations and spend a full academic year (September through May) pursuing bold, original projects that have the potential to make a lasting impact. The Institute seeks candidates whose work is intellectually adventurous and socially engaged, whether in the humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, mathematics, or the creative arts.
Fellows are selected through a rigorous application process that values originality, clarity of purpose, and potential for transformative outcomes. Each fellow becomes part of an interdisciplinary community of thinkers and creators. Radcliffe particularly encourages proposals that address urgent societal and global issues, and those that seek to push disciplinary boundaries.
Scholarship Benefits
Fellows at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute enjoy a robust suite of benefits designed to support their research and encourage collaboration. These include:
- Stipend: Each fellow receives a stipend of $78,000 (as of 2025) for the fellowship year, with additional funds for project expenses, relocation, and housing as needed.
- Full Access to Harvard Resources: Fellows are granted access to Harvard’s extensive libraries, archives, and research facilities. This includes one-on-one research support, access to special collections, and digital resources.
- Collaborative and Creative Environment: Fellows join an interdisciplinary cohort and engage in weekly seminars, public lectures, and informal gatherings designed to stimulate conversation and foster collaboration.
- Student Partnerships: Fellows may request Harvard graduate or undergraduate student research partners to assist in their work, fostering mentoring relationships and knowledge exchange.
- Visibility and Impact: Fellows have opportunities to present their work publicly, both within the Institute and to broader academic and professional audiences.
Eligibility Requirements
The Radcliffe Fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities and backgrounds. Candidates must demonstrate a history of excellence in their fields and present a clearly defined project proposal that aligns with the mission of the Institute. The program seeks:
- Academic Scholars: Applicants must hold a doctorate or an equivalent terminal degree and have a record of published work.
- Creative Artists and Practitioners: Applicants must have a substantial body of independent work and a strong record of achievement (e.g., exhibitions, publications, awards).
- Public Intellectuals and Policy Makers: Candidates with demonstrated impact in their field who are looking to deepen their work through research or creative expression.
Projects that fall into the following thematic areas are strongly encouraged:
- Climate Change and Environmental Justice
- Academic Freedom and Political Polarization
- Women, Gender, and Society
- Technological Advancements in Science and Engineering
In all cases, the fellowship is intended for individuals who can benefit from— and contribute to—the interdisciplinary, intellectually open environment of the Radcliffe Institute.
Application Process
The application for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026 is conducted entirely online and requires several components:
- Project Proposal: Applicants must submit a detailed proposal (usually 1,000–1,500 words) that outlines the project’s goals, methodology, significance, and intended outcomes.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV highlighting academic or creative achievements.
- Work Samples: Scholars submit writing samples; artists provide a portfolio, audio, or video samples as applicable.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of support from individuals familiar with the applicant’s work and potential contributions.
Deadlines:
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts: September 11, 2025
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: September 30, 2025
Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision in spring 2026. Fellows will begin their term in September 2026.
Why Apply for the Radcliffe Fellowship?
The Radcliffe Fellowship offers far more than financial support—it provides time, space, and an unparalleled intellectual environment for deep, creative work. Past fellows consistently describe their fellowship year as a transformative experience that elevated their work and introduced them to lifelong collaborators.
As a 2022–2023 fellow expressed, “A year at Radcliffe was everything I could ask for. The gifts of time and space elevated the way I thought about my work.”
The program encourages bold ideas and cross-disciplinary projects that engage with the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether you are developing a new theory, writing a novel, conducting field research, or designing new technologies, the Radcliffe Fellowship can be the catalyst for the next stage of your work.
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026 is a rare and prestigious opportunity for visionary thinkers and creators to dedicate themselves to meaningful research and artistic endeavors. It is ideal for individuals who are eager to work across disciplines, engage with diverse perspectives, and contribute to scholarship and society in meaningful ways.
If you are ready to push boundaries, engage in transformative work, and become part of an elite network of scholars and creators, consider applying for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship. With its support and resources, your next big idea can become a reality.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://obermann.uiowa.edu/obermann-international-fellowships
