The Academy Scholars Program of The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their academic careers whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with a command of the language and knowledge or expertise of countries or regions outside of the United States or Canada. Their scholarship should span traditional disciplinary divisions and elucidate comparative, transnational, or domestic issues, past or present.

The Academy Scholars are a select community of individuals with resourcefulness, initiative, and originality whose work shows promise as a foundation for careers in research universities or international institutions.

Harvard University Academy Scholars Programme 2023/2024

Academy Scholars are appointed for a two-year in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. They receive substantial financial and research assistance which permits them to undertake robust research projects and skills development in their chosen fields and areas.

They meet at dinners, seminars, and informal get-togethers in order to pursue innovative interdisciplinary approaches to their work.

They are mentored by the Harvard Academy Senior Scholars, a cohort of faculty members who act as a selection committee, participate in Harvard Academy events, and are committed to supporting the Academy Scholars as they work to achieve their potential.

Eligibility

• These awards are open to recipients of PhD or comparable doctoral degrees (within two years of the August 1, 2024, start date) and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences.
• Scholars nearing dissertation completion must be able to submit degree conferral documentation issued by their university registrar’s office by June 30, 2024, for an August 1, 2024, start date.
• Individuals who hold or have completed another Harvard postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Benefits

• Each year, five or six Academy Scholars are named for two-year in-residence appointments with an annual stipend of $75,000, with the two years to be completed within a three-year window.
• Year 1 of the fellowship must be taken up no later than the fall immediately following the postdoctoral fellowship offer. Delays or deferrals in the start of Year 1 are not permitted.
• Between Years 1 and 2, Academy Scholars may apply for a one-time leave (up to 12 months), either to accept or to continue with a tenure-track teaching appointment but for no other reason. Academy Scholars may not accept other sources of funding, awards, or obligations during their appointment.

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted by the deadline of September 22, 2023. We do not accept late applications.

The completed application will include:

• Curriculum vitae (CV); including the list of publications
• Research proposal (2000 words maximum); including intellectual objectives and planned methodological and disciplinary work
• One scholarly writing sample (e.g., PhD dissertation chapter or single-authored peer-reviewed academic journal article; 50 pages maximum; in English)
• A copy of your PhD program transcript
• Three letters of recommendation (uploaded to the online application directly and confidentially by the recommender by September 22, 2023)

All parts of the application, including the three letters of recommendation, are submitted online as pdf documents. Access the online application through the homepage of The Harvard Academy’s website by clicking on the APPLY ONLINE button.

All materials must be received by September 22, 2023. The selection process begins immediately thereafter. Applicants whose materials are incomplete are at a disadvantage when considered by the Selection Committee. Announcement of the awards will be made in December 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program?

A: The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program is a postdoctoral fellowship program that supports outstanding scholars from around the world in their research and professional development.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Academy Scholars Program?

A: The Academy Scholars Program is open to recent PhD recipients or doctoral candidates in the social sciences, humanities, or related disciplines. Applicants should have completed their PhD or equivalent by the application deadline.

Q: What are the benefits of the Academy Scholars Program?

A: Scholars selected for the program receive a stipend to support their living expenses, access to Harvard University’s resources and facilities, and the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of scholars and researchers.

Q: How long does the Academy Scholars Program last?

A: The Academy Scholars Program is a two-year postdoctoral fellowship. Scholars are expected to be in residence at Harvard University during the fellowship period.

Q: What are the research expectations for Academy Scholars?

A: Academy Scholars are expected to pursue their own research projects and contribute to the intellectual life of the Harvard community. They are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and other activities to enhance their research and scholarship.

Q: How do I apply for the Academy Scholars Program?

A: To apply for the Academy Scholars Program, you need to submit an online application, including your CV, research proposal, writing samples, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Make sure to review the specific application requirements and deadlines on the program’s official website.

Harvard University Academy Scholars Program Tag

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Sharing my research journey and experiences as an #AcademyScholar at Harvard University. Grateful for this incredible opportunity to contribute to knowledge and make a positive impact.

Joining the vibrant intellectual community of #HarvardUniversity as an #AcademyScholar. Thrilled to delve into cutting-edge research and engage in interdisciplinary discussions.

Exploring the intersection of social sciences and humanities as an #AcademyScholar at #HarvardUniversity. Grateful for the support and resources provided by the program.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Harvard University Academy Scholars Programme 2023/2024