About the opportunity
The Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs aims to help build the next generation of scholars who will bring professional history to bear on strategic studies and major issues of international affairs. The fellowships honor Ernest May, Charles Warren Professor of American History, a member of the Belfer Center’s board of directors, and a faculty affiliate of the Center’s International Security Program. Ernest May Fellows are housed within the Applied History Project and the International Security Program, gaining access to Harvard University libraries and facilities. Fredrik Logevall and Rana Mitter serve as points of contact and mentors for the fellows. Fellows are expected to devote some portion of their time to collaborative endeavors arranged by the project director and complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication during their period of residence. The fellowships are non-deferrable and span one academic year.
Funding and benefits
- Annual stipend of 65,000 USD for postdoctoral or advanced research fellows
- Annual stipend of 55,000 USD for predoctoral fellows
- Benefits-eligible status for postdoctoral fellows who received their Ph.D. within the past five years
- Full or partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums for predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows who received their Ph.D. more than five years ago
- Access to most Harvard University libraries and facilities
Who can apply?
- Open to history predoctoral candidates and Ph.D. recipients
- Preference is given to history Ph.D. students or postdoctoral researchers
- Scholars in other fields whose research projects have a strong historical focus will receive consideration
Required documents
- CV or resume
- Unofficial transcript (predoctoral fellow applicants only)
- Research statement of 3 to 5 pages
- Writing sample of less than 50 pages (must be a single published or unpublished piece written by the applicant in English, such as a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, or white paper; co-authored pieces are not accepted)
- Contact information for 3 recommenders submitting letters on your behalf
When to apply
- Application period opens: Thursday, October 1, 2026
- Application deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Recommendation letters deadline: December 15, 2026
- Notification of applicants: February 15, 2027
- Fellowship period: 2027–2028 academic year
How to apply
- Prepare the required application documents including your CV, research statement, and English-language writing sample
- Submit your application through the official Harvard Kennedy School Belfer fellowships portal before the December 1, 2026 deadline
- Provide contact information for three recommenders so that they can submit their letters by December 15, 2026
Additional information
- The fellowships are non-deferrable.
- Fellows are expected to reside in the area and be in residence during the academic year.
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…
- An ideal match for history Ph.D. candidates or recent doctorate recipients looking to bridge historical scholarship with contemporary strategic and international security issues.
- Well-suited for researchers aiming to produce a major publication, such as a book or monograph, with dedicated mentorship from leading faculty members at Harvard.
- Provides a strong collaborative environment through housing within the Applied History Project and the International Security Program.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must commit to completing a significant publication and participating in collaborative endeavors during their one-year residency.
- Co-authored writing samples are strictly not accepted, requiring candidates to submit an independent English-language work.
- Relocation to Cambridge, Massachusetts is required for the academic year duration as fellowships are non-deferrable.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides an exceptional platform for early-career scholars and doctoral candidates aiming to elevate their academic profile through high-level research, institutional affiliation at Harvard, and direct mentorship. It fits well into plans focused on transitioning historical research into policy-relevant frameworks or completing a major monograph.
Our take
History predoctoral candidates and recent Ph.D. recipients with a strong research focus on security and international affairs should strongly consider applying. Those lacking an independent English writing sample or unable to commit to an in-residence academic year should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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