Overview of the Radcliffe Fellowship Program
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Radcliffe Fellowship Program. This prestigious program awards 50 fellowships annually to outstanding scientists, writers, scholars, public intellectuals, and artists.
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to thrive within an interdisciplinary and creative community, promoting innovation and collaboration across various fields.
Fellowship Highlights
Dedicated Project Year
Radcliffe fellows are granted a full year to focus on a specific project, benefiting from access to Harvard’s extensive resources and the serene environment of Radcliffe Yard, located in the heart of the university. Throughout the fellowship, participants convene regularly to share their work, challenge conventional thinking, and support one another’s professional aspirations.
Application Deadlines
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: Applications are due by October 3, 2024.
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts: Applications for this category are currently closed for the 2025-2026 year but will reopen in Spring 2025 for the 2026-2027 fellowship.
Commitment to Diversity
The Radcliffe Fellowship Program is committed to fostering diversity across disciplines, career stages, and backgrounds. Selection is based on demonstrated excellence, creativity, and the potential for a transformative impact on both respective fields and society.
Encouraged Proposal Topics
In alignment with Radcliffe’s rich history and legacy, proposals focusing on the following areas are encouraged:
- Women, Gender, and Society
- Utilizing the Schlesinger Library’s collections
- Addressing climate change
- Academic freedom
- Political polarization
Available Subjects
Fellowships are available in the following fields of study:
- Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Fellowship Benefits
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship offers a generous award package, which includes:
- A substantial award amount of $78,000.
- $5,000 allocated for project-related expenses.
- Support for relocating to the fellowship location.
- Housing assistance to ensure suitable accommodation during the fellowship.
- A childcare fund to assist fellows with children in meeting childcare needs.
- Healthcare assistance to provide necessary medical support and services.
Eligible Nationalities
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program 2025-2026 is open to applicants of all nationalities. Students and scholars from any country are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Doctoral Requirement: Applicants must have received their doctoral degree in their proposed project field at least two years before the fellowship start date. For the 2025-2026 fellowship year, this means earning a doctorate by December 2023.
Publication Requirement: Applicants must have published at least five articles in refereed journals. Typically, science, engineering, and mathematics fellows have dozens of publications.
2. General Requirements
Citizenship: Applicants from any country are welcome to apply. Harvard University generally supports J-1 scholar visas for international fellows.
Affiliation: Applicants do not need to be associated with an academic institution. Independent scholars and artists are encouraged to apply.
Group Projects: Group applications are allowed for no more than two individuals. Both applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for their respective fields and propose to work on the same project throughout the fellowship. Each applicant will receive an individual stipend and workspace.
3. Restrictions
Former Fellows: Individuals who have previously been Harvard Radcliffe Fellows from 1999 to the present are ineligible to apply for the program.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Review Requirements: Carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for your field, including the doctoral and publication requirements for STEM fields, as well as the discipline-specific criteria for the creative arts.
Evaluate Your Qualifications: Consider whether your education, experience, and accomplishments meet the necessary qualifications for the fellowship.
Step 2: Gather Required Materials
- Personal Statement: Craft a compelling statement that highlights your research goals, the significance of your project, and how the fellowship will advance your career.
- Research Proposal: Develop a detailed proposal that outlines your project, its significance, and your methodology.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Prepare a comprehensive CV that showcases your academic and professional achievements, including publications, exhibitions, presentations, and awards.
- Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters from experts in your field who can attest to your abilities, research potential, and suitability for the fellowship.
- Supporting Materials: Depending on your field, you may need to submit additional materials, such as samples of work, a list of exhibitions, or a dissertation abstract.
Step 3: Tailor Your Application
- Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasize your most relevant accomplishments and demonstrate how they align with the fellowship’s goals.
- Address Specific Requirements: Make sure your application fulfills all the specific requirements for your field as well as the general fellowship criteria.
- Showcase Your Unique Value: Explain how your unique perspective and research interests will contribute to the intellectual community at Harvard Radcliffe.
Step 4: Proofread and Submit
Thorough Review: Carefully proofread all your application materials to ensure there are no errors or omissions.
Deadline Adherence: Ensure that your complete application, including letters of recommendation, is submitted by Thursday, October 3, 2024 (11:59 PM ET).
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
- Research the Institute: Familiarize yourself with the Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s mission, values, and current fellows to ensure your goals align with the program.
- Connect with Alumni: Reach out to former fellows for insights, advice, and tips on strengthening your application.
- Practice Your Interview: If shortlisted, be prepared to discuss your research, your goals, and how you will contribute to the institute’s community.
