USA

Harvard University Academy Scholars Program for Recent Ph.D. Recipients and Doctoral Candidates in the Social Sciences, USA for 2023

About Harvard University and the Scholarship:

Harvard University, a prestigious private Ivy League research institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1636 as Harvard College. Named after its first patron, Puritan priest John Harvard, the university has grown to become one of the world’s most prominent and influential institutions of higher education.

The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is open to recent Ph.D. recipients and doctoral candidates in the social sciences. This program, offered by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, aims to identify and support exceptional scholars who are at the early stages of their academic careers. It seeks individuals whose work demonstrates excellence in a social science discipline, as well as a deep understanding of languages and expertise related to nations or regions outside of the United States or Canada. The research undertaken by Academy Scholars should transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and contribute to the understanding of comparative, global, or domestic issues, whether historical or contemporary.

Academy Scholars represent a select group of individuals characterized by their initiative, creativity, and originality. Their work shows promise as a foundation for future careers in research universities or international organizations.

Selected Academy Scholars are appointed to the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, USA, for a two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship. This program provides significant financial and research support, enabling scholars to undertake comprehensive research projects and further develop their expertise in their chosen fields and geographic areas. Scholars convene for informal gatherings, dinners, and seminars to explore cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches to their research. They also benefit from guidance provided by the Harvard Academy Senior Scholars, a committee of professors responsible for selection, engagement in Academy activities, and mentoring Academy Scholars to help them reach their full potential.

The Harvard Academy welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds to foster a broad community of scholars with varied experiences, perspectives, and research methodologies.

Details about Harvard University Academy Scholars Program:

  • Scholarship Sponsor: Harvard University
  • Scholarship Value: $75,000
  • Number of Awards: N/A
  • Study Level: Fellowship
  • Host Institution(s): Harvard University
  • Courses: Social Science

Aim and Benefits of Harvard University Academy Scholars Program:

Each year, five or six Academy Scholars are selected for two-year, in-residence appointments with a yearly stipend of $75,000. This fellowship must be completed within a three-year timeframe, with Year 1 commencing no later than the fall following the offer. Year 1 cannot be delayed or postponed.

Academy Scholars may request a one-time leave of absence (up to 12 months) between Years 1 and 2, but only to accept or maintain a tenure-track teaching position. During their appointment, Academy Scholars are not permitted to accept additional funding, honors, or responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria for Harvard University Academy Scholars Program:

To be eligible for the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be recent doctoral candidates in the social sciences or individuals who have obtained their Ph.D. within two years of the August 1, 2024 start date.
  • Individuals who are currently holding or have recently completed another postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard are not eligible to apply.

Application Procedure for Harvard University Academy Scholars Program:

To apply for this scholarship program, follow these steps:

  1. Interested and eligible candidates should log in or register for the scholarship on the official application portal.
  2. The completed application should include the following components:
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of publications.
    • A research proposal outlining conceptual objectives, proposed methodologies, and planned disciplinary work. This proposal should be limited to 2000 words.
  3. Applicants must provide one piece of academic writing, not exceeding 50 pages in length. This can be a chapter from a Ph.D. dissertation or an article from an academic publication with peer review.
  4. Include a copy of your transcript from your Ph.D. program.
  5. Arrange for three recommendation letters to be uploaded directly to the online application before the September 22, 2023 deadline.

Please note that the application deadline for all documents is September 22, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted.

The three recommendation letters are one of several components that must be provided online in PDF format. You can find the “APPLY ONLINE” link on The Harvard Academy’s website homepage, which will take you to the online application.

The results of the selection process will be announced in December 2023.

Regarding transcripts from foreign institutions: Harvard University reviewers evaluate numerous applications from students attending foreign institutions. Therefore, they request official documentation that closely resembles a transcript for all graduate work, including any completed or ongoing Master’s or Ph.D. programs. Your university’s registrar is likely familiar with such requests and can provide the necessary documentation upon request.

For inquiries and questions, please email: [email protected].

For further information, you can visit the official website.

The Application Deadline is: September 22, 2023.

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