Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports rigorous, policy-relevant research on urban problem-solving and city leadership. The program selects a cohort of researchers whose work has the potential to make meaningful contributions both to scholarship and to real-world challenges. Individuals selected through the application process are appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 28, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorHarvard university
• City to studyMassachusetts
• School to studyHarvard university
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• One semester or academic year of residency at Harvard University
• Time set aside to concentrate on research
• Accommodations close to Harvard University
• Financial assistance to enable time committed to research
• Possibilities for interaction with Harvard researchers, faculty, and students
• Involvement in an expanding network of academics devoted to urban problem-solving
• Possible sponsorship of a visa, contingent on individual circumstances and institutional policies
• Course buyouts or other arrangements that allow scholars to take time off from their regular academic responsibilities during the residence period may be supported financially.

Requirements

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is designed to provide scholars with protected time for research. During their residency, Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars will focus primarily on advancing the research project outlined in their application. In addition to their primary research focus, scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Center through a small number of structured activities, including:

• Hosting one research seminar per semester, focused on their ongoing work or related themes

• Convening a student study group connected to their research that meets twice per month, with monthly office hours, intended to facilitate discussion rather than formal instruction

• Organizing one event (such as a talk or panel) open to the broader Harvard community

The program provides housing near Harvard University. Financial assistance is available to enable scholars to dedicate sustained time to their proposed research project. Depending on individual circumstances, this support may be used to facilitate course buyout or other arrangements that allow scholars to step back from regular academic obligations during the residency period.

Residency may last one semester or a full academic year.

The Center anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars, subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

The program invites applications from researchers whose work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities. Applicants may come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and be at different career stages. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree) and, at the time of application, hold a current faculty or research appointment at a degree-granting university or recognized research institution.

Applicants should submit a proposal describing a specific research project that they will pursue during the residency. Proposals should clearly articulate:

• The urban problem or city leadership challenge that the research addresses

• The research question(s) that the project examines and the theorey/theories underpinning the work

• The research design and methodological approach

• The significance of the project for the fields of research and practice

• The type(s) of outputs envisioned and potential impacts

Selection Process

Applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with members of a selection committee. Following this process, selected applicants will be formally appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity and significance of the research problem

• Strength of the research design

• Potential contribution to scholarship and to the practice of urban problem-solving

• Alignment with the mission and thematic interests of the Bloomberg Center for Cities

Check also:
Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students 2026

Application Deadline

October 28, 2026

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information kindly visit the Bloomberg webpage.