USA Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026
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USA Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026.
The Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 at the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is a prestigious opportunity for predoctoral, postdoctoral, and early-career researchers to advance policy-relevant research on the rapidly changing Arctic region.
Hosted at the Belfer Center, this fellowship brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address pressing issues such as sustainable ocean management, climate change impacts, permafrost thaw, resilience in Arctic communities, and emerging Arctic governance challenges.
This in-residence fellowship is designed for candidates who want to conduct cutting-edge research while engaging in collaboration, leadership, and interdisciplinary exchange at Harvard University.
Degree Level
- Predoctoral (doctoral candidates or master’s degree holders with relevant experience)
- Postdoctoral (PhD or equivalent degree holders)
- Junior Faculty and Practitioners with relevant Arctic or policy expertise
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
- Stipend to support living expenses during the fellowship year.
- Office space at the Belfer Center.
- Travel funding for select conferences and workshops.
- Access to Harvard’s world-class academic and research resources.
- Collaborative opportunities with Harvard faculty, Arctic Initiative experts, policymakers, and other fellows.
- Opportunity to publish peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, or policy-relevant scholarly work.
Note: A limited number of funded fellowships are available, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources.
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide
- Special encouragement for Arctic residents and Indigenous candidates
Eligibility Criteria
- Predoctoral applicants must be accepted into a doctoral program or have completed a master’s degree with substantial research/professional experience.
- Postdoctoral applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Applications are also welcome from university faculty, government officials, military professionals, NGO staff, and private sector experts with demonstrated Arctic or policy experience.
- Strong focus on policy-relevant research and contribution to Arctic governance and sustainability.
- All fellows must be able to commit to residency at Harvard Kennedy School for the majority of the fellowship year.
Application Procedure
- Applications open: October 1, 2025
- Deadline for submission: December 1, 2025
- Letters of recommendation due: December 15, 2025
Required Application Materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Unofficial transcript (for predoctoral applicants)
- Research statement (3–5 pages) with clear policy relevance
- Writing sample (up to 50 pages, English, single-authored)
- Contact details for 3 recommenders
Fellowship Duration:
- One academic year (10 months, 2026–2027)
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The Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 is a rare opportunity for emerging and established researchers to contribute to global policy solutions for one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth.
By fostering research, dialogue, and leadership, the fellowship equips scholars and practitioners to shape a more secure, sustainable, and resilient Arctic future.
