Application Deadline:   

For applications in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and nonfiction and journalism is September 10, 2026, at 5 PM ET.

For applications in science, engineering, and mathematics is October 1, 2026, at 5 PM ET.

ELIGIBILITY:

They welcome applications proposing innovative work that confronts pressing social, scientific, and policy issues and seeks to engage audiences beyond academia. Reflecting Radcliffe’s unique history and institutional legacy, we welcome—but do not limit eligibility to—proposals that focus on women, gender, and society or draw on the Schlesinger Library’s rich collections.

They also invite proposals relevant to the Institute’s multiyear focus area, which for 2024–2029 is academic freedom and connecting across difference. Proposals should address intellectual virtues, free and open inquiry, diversity of thought, political polarization, peace and conflict, inequality, religious pluralism—including religion and public and family life—and other policy issues as they relate to institutions of higher education

To begin an application, you will need to register as a new user by creating a new account with your name, email address, and password. Once you have registered, you may log in to the Online Fellowship Application Portal and select an application area: Humanities and Social Sciences; Creative Arts; Nonfiction and Journalism; or Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

They accept applications in a wide array of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts, and applicants must meet discipline-specific eligibility criteria. This fellowship program is not intended to serve as a postdoctoral fellowship, and those currently enrolled in a degree program are ineligible to apply. They accept applications from individuals across career stages and do not require academics to have tenure to apply.

The fellowship application consists of an application form, curriculum vitae, 1,400-word project proposal (with bibliography when appropriate), a writing or work sample, and the contact information of three references who will be prompted over email to upload letters of recommendation in support of your application. All materials must be submitted via their online application portal.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for their Program Area as outlined below.

Applicants in the humanities and social sciences must have:

Received their doctorate (or equivalent) in the area of their proposed project at least four years prior to their appointment as a fellow (December 2023 for the 2027–2028 fellowship year). Appropriate terminal degrees include PhD, MD, JD, DPhil, and DEd.

Published a monograph or at least two articles in refereed journals or edited collections.

Applicants in science, engineering, and mathematics must have:

Received their doctorate in the area of the proposed project at least four years prior to their appointment as a fellow (December 2023 for the 2027–2028 fellowship year).

Published at least five articles in refereed journals. Most science, engineering, and math fellows have published dozens of articles.

Applicants in nonfiction and journalism must meet discipline-specific eligibility criteria, as outlined below:

Journalism: Applicants in this discipline are required to have worked professionally as a journalist for at least five years.

Nonfiction: Applicants in this discipline must have one of the following: One or more published books; a contract for the publication of a book-length manuscript; or at least three shorter works (longer than newspaper articles) published.

Applicants in the creative arts must meet discipline-specific eligibility requirements, as outlined below:

Film and Video: Applicants in this discipline must have a body of independent work of significant achievement. Such work will typically have been exhibited in galleries or museums, shown in film or video festivals, or broadcast on television.

Visual Arts: Applicants in this discipline must show strong evidence of achievement, with a record of at least five years of work as a professional artist, including participation in several curated group shows and at least two professional solo exhibitions.

Fiction: Applicants in this discipline must have one of the following: One or more published books; a contract for the publication of a book-length manuscript; or at least three shorter works (longer than newspaper articles) published.

Poetry: Applicants in this discipline must have had at least 20 poems or a book of poetry published in the last five years and must be in the process of completing a manuscript.

Playwriting: Applicants in this discipline must have a significant body of independent work in the form. This will include, most typically, plays produced or under option.

Music Composition: It is desirable, but not required, for applicants in music composition to have a PhD or DMA. Most important, the applicant must show strong evidence of achievement as a professional artist, with a record of recent performances.

BENEFIT:

Fellows receive a stipend of $78,000 plus an additional $5,000 to cover project expenses. Harvard Radcliffe fellows may also be eligible to receive relocation, housing, and childcare funds to aid them in making a smooth transition to Radcliffe. Healthcare support is made available as needed. Please see our Overview of Financial Support for more information.

In addition to the stipend, project expense allowance, and additional funds to aid in relocation mentioned above, fellows receive office or studio space in Byerly Hall—in Radcliffe Yard—and full-time Harvard appointments as visiting fellows, granting them access to the Harvard Library system and University athletic facilities. Fellows will also be able to participate in professional development and engagement opportunities throughout their fellowship year.