Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard University represents one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious platforms for interdisciplinary innovation, offering a transformative year of reflection, research, and creation. For academics, scientists, writers artists, and public intellectuals at pivotal moments in their careers, this fellowship is an invitation to step away from routine and reimagine the possibilities of their work in a rich intellectual environment. Supported by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, fellows are given both freedom and resources to tackle the world’s pressing challenges and to make meaningful impact across disciplines.
Scholarship Overview
Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard University annually selects up to 50 fellows whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity, scholarly rigor, and transformative potential.
Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard University is open to individuals and collaborative teams of two, and its recipients become part of an extraordinary cohort committed to breaking academic silos and pushing the boundaries of conventional thought. Radcliffe fellowships are structured to promote bold inquiry, deep focus, and interdisciplinary exchange providing access to Harvard’s resources, peer collaboration, and community engagement.
Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard University supports work that addresses issues such as gender equity, climate change, academic freedom, and political polarization, as well as forward-thinking approaches in STEM, arts, and the humanities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Demonstrated record of achievement in their field.Evidence of creative and intellectual potential for future contributions.
Open to scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and public intellectuals.Individuals or collaborative teams (up to two people) may apply.
Projects must be original, innovative, and contribute to the fellow’s discipline and society at large.
Proposals with a focus on women, gender, and society or those that utilize the Schlesinger Library’s collections are encouraged.
The program values diversity of discipline, ideology, background, and career stage.
Application Procedures
Apply, prospective fellows must:
- Complete the online application form via the official Radcliffe Fellowship Program portal.
- Submit a project proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
- Provide a curriculum vitae or resume.Include a sample of recent work (varies by discipline).
- Furnish three letters of recommendation.
- Indicate whether applying individually or as a collaborative team.
Deadlines:Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts: September 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM ETScience, Engineering, and Mathematics: September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
Benefits of Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard University
Fellows receive:
- A stipend of up to $78,000 (plus $5,000 for project expenses).
- Relocation assistance and housing support (if needed).
- Office or studio space within the Radcliffe Institute.
- Full access to Harvard University libraries, archives, and facilities.
- Opportunity to engage undergraduate research assistants through the Radcliffe Research Partnership Program.
- Regular workshops, lectures, and cross-disciplinary forums.
- A platform to present their work publicly.
Why Choose Harvard Radcliffe Institute?
Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute offers an unmatched ecosystem for intellectual growth and creative innovation.
Fellows are not only supported financially but are also embraced by a vibrant, inclusive community that encourages bold exploration and scholarly courage. Its location at one of the world’s foremost academic institutions provides access to world-class resources, a global network, and a platform to influence both academia and public discourse.
The Institute’s focus on collaborative engagement and societal impact makes it particularly appealing to those whose work transcends boundaries and seeks to make a difference.
The atmosphere is one of trust, respect, and inspiration, ideal for incubating ideas that shape the future
Application and Deadline
Early submission is encouraged, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional documentation or clarification.
Interested applicants must ensure all materials are submitted by the following dates:
Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts: September 11, 2025
Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics: September 30, 2025.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted online before 11:59 PM
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/become-a-radcliffe-fellow