About the opportunity
The Academy Scholars Program at The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies supports outstanding researchers at the start of their academic careers. It targets individuals whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with expertise in countries or regions outside of the United States or Canada. The program provides a two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship in Cambridge, MA, allowing scholars to pursue innovative interdisciplinary research and skills development, mentored by Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
Funding and benefits
- Annual stipend of $80,000.
- Annual research support of $6,000.
- Mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
- Opportunity to be invited to teach a Harvard class.
Who can apply?
- Recipients of PhD or equivalent degrees granted within two years of the August 1, 2027, start date.
- Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences.
- Candidates nearing dissertation completion must submit degree conferral documentation by June 30, 2027.
- Individuals who hold or have completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.
- Work must combine excellence in a social science discipline with command of language and knowledge of regions outside the US or Canada.
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae (CV), including list of publications.
- Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words), including intellectual objectives and planned methodological and disciplinary work.
- One scholarly writing sample in English (maximum 50 pages), such as a PhD dissertation chapter or peer-reviewed journal article. Co-authored texts are acceptable if contributions are specified and authorship is not shared with an academic advisor.
- A copy of the PhD program transcript.
- Three letters of recommendation.
When to apply
- Application materials (except letters of recommendation) must be received by September 18, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT.
- Letters of recommendation must arrive no later than September 28, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT.
- Awards are anticipated to be announced in December 2026.
How to apply
- Access the online application through the homepage of The Harvard Academy's website at https://academy.wcfia.harvard.edu.
- Submit all application materials as .pdf documents online.
- Submit the application first to trigger the upload link for recommenders.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Social science researchers with a PhD or advanced doctoral status whose work focuses on regions outside the US and Canada
- Scholars looking for a two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship with senior mentorship and teaching opportunities
What should you think carefully about?
- In-residence presence in Cambridge, MA, is required for the duration of the two-year fellowship
- Individuals who hold or have completed another postdoctoral fellowship are explicitly ineligible
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship advances a scholar's career goals by providing an $80,000 annual stipend, research support, and dedicated time for interdisciplinary research and skills development.
Our take
Early-career social scientists specializing in international and area studies should strongly consider applying, while those who have already completed a postdoc are ineligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
