Call for
Radcliffe Fellowship Program

Application Deadline:
11 September 2025
About Organisation
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University—commonly known as the Harvard Radcliffe Institute—is a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research and exploration. With a strong emphasis on curiosity-driven inquiry, the Institute unites scholars, artists, students, and practitioners from various fields to explore complex questions and advance human knowledge. As part of Harvard University, it offers a unique environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and scholarly excellence. The Institute is committed to fostering diverse intellectual engagement and supporting transformative work that challenges disciplinary boundaries. Radcliffe’s legacy also reflects a longstanding focus on women, gender, and society, which continues to shape the kinds of research it champions. Scholars and artists at Radcliffe benefit from access to Harvard’s extensive resources, including libraries, archives, and academic networks, as well as opportunities for mentorship and student collaboration. The Institute promotes engaged scholarship that connects academic inquiry with broader societal and policy concerns. Its fellowships and programs support impactful research across disciplines, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the creative arts and public policy.
About the Grant
The Radcliffe Fellowship Program annually selects 50 exceptional scholars, artists, and public intellectuals who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and promise for future contributions. This one-year residential fellowship fosters a vibrant community of thinkers who engage deeply with one another through seminars, collaborative events, and shared learning experiences. Fellows receive unparalleled access to Harvard’s vast academic resources, including libraries, archives, and the opportunity to collaborate with Harvard College students through the Radcliffe Research Partnership Program. This program allows fellows to receive valuable research assistance and engage in rich academic dialogues with students. The fellowship supports bold, innovative projects, especially those addressing urgent societal challenges or engaging audiences beyond academia. Radcliffe particularly encourages proposals related to gender, women, and society, as well as those utilizing the Schlesinger Library’s extensive collections. The program also invites research proposals aligned with its current thematic areas such as academic freedom and bridging differences, climate change, equity, and policy issues in higher education. Fellows are expected to present their work, participate in community activities, and contribute to the intellectual fabric of the Institute.
Who can Apply?
The Radcliffe Fellowship Program invites applications from individuals who have demonstrated significant achievement in their respective disciplines. Eligible applicants include scholars in the humanities and social sciences, creative artists, journalists, nonfiction writers, and public intellectuals. Applicants must exhibit a strong record of accomplishment and show potential for continued excellence in their proposed projects. The fellowship welcomes both early-career and established professionals, provided they demonstrate originality, rigor, and a clear plan for their fellowship year. Interdisciplinary projects, those with public engagement goals, and proposals that align with Radcliffe’s special focus areas—such as academic freedom, climate change, and gender studies—are especially encouraged. The Institute values diverse perspectives and seeks to support individuals who are advancing new ideas or confronting significant societal challenges. International applicants are welcome, and proficiency in English is required for full participation in the program. Collaborative proposals may also be submitted by groups of two applicants. However, each member must submit a separate application. Applicants should not be enrolled in a degree program at the time of application and must be able to commit to a full academic year in residence at Harvard.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete and submit the online application form, including a project proposal, CV, work samples (where applicable), and recommendation letters, through the fellowship portal before the specified deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications for the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts categories must be submitted by September 11, 2025, no later than 11:59 PM ET.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to apply for the 2026–2027 Radcliffe Fellowship cycle is September 11, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Grant Amount
Fellows receive a generous stipend of up to $78,000, along with additional funds for project expenses, relocation, and housing to support their residency at Harvard.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.