The Berenson Fellowship at Harvard University’s Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies offers an exceptional residential research opportunity for scholars whose work explores the connections between Italy and the wider world during the Renaissance.

Supported by The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund, the fellowship is designed to encourage research into “Italy in the World” by examining the transnational exchanges, encounters, dialogues, and cultural relationships between Italy and other regions during the Renaissance, broadly understood as the period from the 14th through the 17th century.

The fellowship is particularly interested in research that moves beyond a narrowly European understanding of the Renaissance and examines Italy’s relationships with cultures and societies across regions such as Africa, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Asia.

Selected Fellows will be based in Florence, Italy, where they will have dedicated time for research, access to Harvard’s extensive scholarly resources at I Tatti, and opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the Center. The fellowship provides USD 5,200 per month, in addition to a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.

Up to four Berenson Fellowships are awarded each year, making this a highly selective opportunity for established and emerging scholars working on original research related to the Renaissance and its global connections.

What Is the Berenson Fellowship?

The Berenson Fellowship is a residential research fellowship hosted by Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence.

The fellowship takes its name from Bernard Berenson, an influential scholar and art historian associated with I Tatti. In his 1956 statement, “On the Future of I Tatti,” Berenson expressed a vision in which scholars would come from different parts of the world and develop a broad understanding of the Mediterranean and its surrounding regions.

The Berenson Fellowship builds on this vision by encouraging scholarship that examines the Renaissance from a geographically expansive perspective.

Rather than treating the Renaissance solely as a European phenomenon, the fellowship seeks to support research investigating the connections between Italy and other cultures and regions.

These connections may include:

• Cultural exchanges between Italy and Africa.
• Italy’s historical relationships with Mediterranean societies.
• Connections between Italy and Asian cultures.
• Transnational relationships involving Latin America.
• Intellectual exchanges across geographical boundaries.
• Movement of ideas, artistic traditions, texts, technologies, and people.
• Cross-cultural interactions during the Renaissance and early modern period.
• The influence of non-European cultures on Italian Renaissance developments.
• Italy’s role within wider networks of the early modern world.

The fellowship therefore offers an opportunity for scholars to develop research that places the Italian Renaissance within a broader international and intercultural context.

Berenson Fellowship Research Theme: “Italy in the World”

The central theme of the fellowship is “Italy in the World.”

Applicants are expected to propose projects that address transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.

The Renaissance is interpreted broadly for purposes of this fellowship, covering approximately the 14th to 17th centuries.

This broad chronological and geographical approach allows researchers to investigate subjects that cross conventional disciplinary and regional boundaries.

A strong project should therefore demonstrate how Italy was connected to wider intellectual, cultural, artistic, political, scientific, or social networks.

For example, research could examine:

1. Italian artistic exchanges with other regions.
2. Mediterranean intellectual networks.
3. African-Italian cultural encounters.
4. Italian relationships with Asian societies.
5. The circulation of Renaissance texts across borders.
6. Music and musical traditions moving between cultures.
7. Scientific knowledge exchanged between Italy and other regions.
8. Philosophical interactions between Italian and non-Italian thinkers.
9. Architectural influences crossing geographical boundaries.
10. Literary connections between Italian writers and writers from other cultures.
11. Trade, travel, migration, and their influence on Renaissance culture.
12. The movement of artistic techniques, manuscripts, objects, and ideas.
13. Cross-cultural encounters involving the Mediterranean and its hinterlands.

The key consideration is that the project should contribute to a broader understanding of the Renaissance as a connected and geographically expansive historical phenomenon.

Academic Fields Supported by the Fellowship

The Berenson Fellowship welcomes scholars working across the range of disciplines supported by I Tatti.

Applicants may come from fields including:

Architecture and the Arts

Researchers can investigate architecture, painting, sculpture, visual culture, material culture, artistic exchange, and related areas.

Projects may explore how artistic ideas, styles, techniques, or objects moved between Italy and other parts of the world.

History

Historical research may examine political, social, cultural, economic, diplomatic, or intellectual relationships between Italy and other regions during the Renaissance.

Philosophy

Philosophical projects may explore intellectual exchanges, circulation of ideas, philosophical traditions, and relationships between Italian thinkers and intellectual traditions elsewhere.

Literature

Researchers may examine texts, literary movements, translation, cultural exchange, multilingual literary networks, and relationships between Italian and non-Italian literary traditions.

Music

Music scholars can investigate musical exchange, performance traditions, composers, instruments, musical theory, and the movement of music across geographical and cultural boundaries.

History of Science

Projects may investigate scientific knowledge, technologies, discoveries, instruments, scholarly networks, and intellectual exchanges linking Italy with other parts of the world.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed project clearly fits within the intellectual scope of I Tatti while addressing the fellowship’s emphasis on transnational connections.

Why the Berenson Fellowship Is a Valuable Research Opportunity

The fellowship is designed to provide scholars with something that is increasingly difficult to obtain: extended, uninterrupted time to focus primarily on research.

I Tatti emphasizes a combination of substantial scholarly resources and relatively few obligations.

Fellows can devote their time to developing their research project rather than balancing it with extensive teaching or administrative responsibilities.

The fellowship provides:

• A residential research appointment in Florence.
• A grant of USD 5,200 per month.
• A relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
• Access to the scholarly resources of Harvard’s I Tatti Center.
• Access to the Biblioteca Berenson.
• A dedicated desk or carrel in the library.
• Opportunities to participate in the intellectual community at I Tatti.
• Participation in selected activities organized at the Center.
• Opportunities to attend conferences, lectures, and concerts.
• Interaction with scholars from different countries and academic disciplines.
• A research environment designed to minimize interruptions and obligations.

These resources can be particularly valuable for scholars preparing a major scholarly publication, completing an extensive research project, or developing research that requires access to specialized materials available in Florence.

Fellowship Duration

The Berenson Fellowship is a residential fellowship lasting either four or six months.

Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred fellowship period:

• Fall: September through December.
• Winter-Spring: January through June.

The exact fellowship arrangement will depend on the appointment offered.

Because the fellowship is residential, Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at I Tatti.

This requirement reflects the Center’s goal of creating an active scholarly community in which Fellows interact with other researchers and participate in the intellectual life of the institution.

Financial Support and Fellowship Grant

One of the major attractions of the Berenson Fellowship is its substantial financial support.

Selected Fellows receive:

Monthly Grant

The fellowship provides a grant of:

USD 5,200 per month

This provides substantial financial support during the residential research period.

Relocation Support

In addition to the monthly grant, Fellows can receive a one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.

The supplement is intended to assist with expenses associated with relocating to Florence for the fellowship.

Housing

Because the fellowship is residential, Fellows must live in the Florence area.

When possible, I Tatti will set aside an apartment for the Fellow’s use. The apartment is provided rent free, although the Fellow is responsible for utility charges.

If an I Tatti apartment is not available, the Center will provide a housing subsidy to help offset rental expenses.

This housing arrangement can significantly reduce the cost of relocating to Florence for the fellowship period.

Access to Harvard’s Scholarly Resources

Berenson Fellows enjoy the privileges available to Fellows at I Tatti.

One of the most important resources is the Biblioteca Berenson, which Fellows can use seven days a week.

This access is particularly important for scholars whose research requires specialized Renaissance materials and scholarly resources.

Fellows also have their own desk or carrel in the Library.

However, Term Fellows do not receive a separate private office or study.

The research environment is therefore centered around the library and broader scholarly community of I Tatti.

Participation in the I Tatti Intellectual Community

Although Fellows receive substantial freedom to focus on their research, the fellowship is not intended to be an isolated research experience.

Selected activities at I Tatti are reserved for Fellows, and Fellows are expected to become part of the wider scholarly community.

They are expected to participate in activities such as:

• Conferences.
• Academic lectures.
• Concerts.
• Scholarly gatherings.
• Other intellectual activities organized by I Tatti.

This community-oriented approach allows researchers to exchange ideas with scholars working across different disciplines and geographical areas.

For applicants interested in building international academic networks, this aspect of the fellowship can be particularly valuable.

Berenson Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy several important eligibility requirements.

PhD Requirement

At the time of application, candidates must already hold a PhD.

Applicants will be required to upload a scan of their PhD certificate as part of the application process.

This means the fellowship is not intended for doctoral students who are still completing their first PhD.

Applicants Cannot Be Pursuing a Second PhD

Candidates may not be working on a second PhD at the time of application.

This requirement should be carefully considered by applicants who have completed one doctoral degree but are enrolled in another doctoral programme.

Research Project Requirement

Applicants must apply with a specific research project.

The proposed project should align with the Berenson Fellowship’s central focus on Italy in the World and the transnational relationships between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.

The proposed research can form part of a larger scholarly project.

However, applicants must be able to demonstrate that the specific project presented in the application is sufficiently developed and appropriate for the fellowship period.

Full-Time Research Commitment

Successful Fellows are expected to work solely on the project for which they applied.

They are not permitted to simultaneously work on editing other book or article projects.

This is an important condition because the fellowship is designed to provide uninterrupted time for a particular research project.

Applicants should therefore select a project that can benefit substantially from four or six months of concentrated research.

English and Italian Language Requirements

Applicants must be:

• Conversant in English, and
• Familiar with Italian.

The language requirement is important because the fellowship is based at an Italian Renaissance research center in Florence and involves engagement with Italian scholarly resources and the wider academic community.

Research Must Be Feasible in Florence

Applicants must demonstrate that it is possible to conduct most of their research in Florence.

This does not necessarily mean that every source required for the project must be located in Florence.

Rather, the proposed research should be sufficiently connected to the resources available in Florence to justify a residential appointment at I Tatti.

Applicants should therefore carefully consider the research materials, archives, libraries, collections, and scholarly resources they will need during the fellowship.

Priority for Early- and Mid-Career Scholars

The fellowship gives priority to early- and mid-career scholars.

This does not mean that senior scholars are necessarily excluded. Rather, the selection process gives particular consideration to applicants at earlier and middle stages of their academic careers.

Candidates should therefore explain clearly how the fellowship would contribute to the development and advancement of their research.

Global Eligibility: Scholars From All Nations Can Apply

The Berenson Fellowship welcomes applications from scholars from all nations.

There is no stated restriction limiting applications to a particular country, nationality, continent, or racial group.

The fellowship specifically gives special consideration to candidates who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to scholars based outside Italy who would significantly benefit from spending an extended research period at I Tatti.

Who Can Apply?

In general, the opportunity is aimed at:

• Scholars who already hold a PhD.
• Researchers working in relevant Renaissance and early modern fields.
• Early-career scholars.
• Mid-career scholars.
• Scholars researching transnational relationships involving Italy.
• Researchers working in architecture and the arts.
• Historians.
• Philosophers.
• Literature scholars.
• Music scholars.
• Historians of science.
• Scholars whose projects can be substantially researched in Florence.
• Researchers conversant in English and familiar with Italian.
• Scholars from any country or nationality.

The fellowship is therefore international in scope, and scholars from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Oceania, the Middle East, and other regions may apply, provided they meet the academic and research requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Potential applicants should take note of several restrictions.

You may not qualify if:

• You do not yet have a PhD at the time of application.
• You are currently working toward a second PhD.
• Your proposed project cannot be substantially researched in Florence.
• You are unable to work in English and do not have familiarity with Italian.
• You intend to use the fellowship period to work simultaneously on unrelated books or articles.
• You plan to take on teaching or other professional obligations during the fellowship.
• You have previously held a Term Fellowship at I Tatti, except if you previously held a Graduate Fellowship.
• You have already used the fellowship opportunity in a way that conflicts with the Term Fellowship’s one-time restriction.

Applicants should carefully review the official application requirements before submitting their application.

Previous I Tatti Appointments and One-Time Fellowship Rule

Term Fellowships at I Tatti can be held only once.

They also cannot be deferred.

The fellowship is intended for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti, with the exception of Graduate Fellows.

This means previous affiliation with I Tatti is an important factor to consider before applying.

Restrictions During the Fellowship

The residential fellowship comes with several obligations and restrictions.

No Teaching Positions

Fellows may not take on other obligations such as teaching positions, including part-time teaching, during any part of the fellowship period.

Applicants who currently teach should therefore consider whether they can fully comply with this requirement.

No Simultaneous Fellowship or Award

The Berenson Fellowship may not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.

Applicants who receive external funding should carefully consider whether it can be held alongside the I Tatti fellowship.

Outside Grants and Salary

If an applicant receives a partial salary or outside grant, this information must be disclosed either:

• In the application, or
• In subsequent correspondence with the Director.

Permission must also be received where required.

Applicants should therefore be transparent about other sources of financial support.

Visa and Health Insurance Responsibilities

International Fellows are responsible for handling their own immigration and health-related arrangements.

The Fellow is responsible for obtaining:

• A visa, where required.
• A permesso di soggiorno where applicable.
• Health coverage.
• Appropriate documentation for accompanying family members, where relevant.

Applicants must determine whether they require a visa and, if one is necessary, obtain it before travelling.

Prospective international applicants should therefore begin investigating Italian immigration requirements well before the fellowship start date.

Application Process for the Berenson Fellowship

Applications are submitted electronically.

Applicants can prepare their application in either:

• English, or
• Italian.

Candidates should ensure that all required application materials are completed and submitted through the designated online application system.

The application should present a compelling research project and demonstrate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential contribution to I Tatti’s intellectual community.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Although selection is competitive, several elements are explicitly important in the evaluation process.

The selection committee pays particular attention to:

1. The strength of the proposed project
2. The potential of the project to produce original results
3. The candidate’s curriculum vitae
4. The candidate’s ability to contribute collegially to I Tatti’s intellectual life

Applicants should therefore avoid treating the application as simply a funding request.

Instead, the application should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined research question.
• A strong understanding of existing scholarship.
• A convincing explanation of the project’s originality.
• A realistic research plan.
• A strong connection to the “Italy in the World” theme.
• A clear reason why Florence and I Tatti are important for the research.
• Evidence of the applicant’s scholarly achievements.
• The potential significance of the expected results.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must arrange for two scholars who know their work well to submit recommendations online.

The recommendation letters may be written in:

• English, or
• Italian.

The referees must submit their recommendations electronically by:

November 21, 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to register their referees early through the reference section of the application system.

Once registered, referees will receive an email explaining how to access the system and submit their recommendations.

Applicants are responsible for informing their referees about:

• The nature of the proposed research project.
• The fellowship being applied for.
• The application deadline.
• The separate recommendation deadline.

Giving referees adequate notice can help ensure that recommendations are submitted on time.

Berenson Fellowship Deadlines

There are two important dates applicants should remember.

Main Application Deadline

November 16, 2026

Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time on November 16, 2026.

Recommendation Letter Deadline

November 21, 2026

The two required recommendation letters must be submitted online by November 21, 2026.

Because the recommendation deadline comes after the main application deadline, applicants should not wait until the last minute to register their referees.

Important Application Restriction

Scholars may apply for only one type of I Tatti Fellowship per academic year.

Applicants considering multiple I Tatti fellowship categories should therefore carefully determine which fellowship best matches their research and career circumstances before submitting an application.

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Applicants interested in the Berenson Fellowship should approach the application strategically.

1. Develop a Clearly Defined Research Project

Your project should have a clear research question and demonstrate why the subject matters.

Avoid presenting a project that is too broad to complete meaningful work on during a four- or six-month residential fellowship.

2. Demonstrate the Transnational Dimension

Because the fellowship focuses on “Italy in the World,” applicants should make the international or cross-cultural dimension of their research clear.

Explain how the project examines relationships between Italy and another culture, region, society, intellectual tradition, or geographical area.

3. Explain Why Florence Matters

A strong application should establish why conducting research at I Tatti and in Florence is important.

Applicants should identify the resources, collections, scholarly environment, or research networks that make Florence particularly valuable for the project.

4. Emphasize Originality

The selection committee specifically considers the potential of the proposed project to produce original results.

Applicants should clearly explain what their research contributes that existing scholarship does not adequately address.

5. Present a Strong CV

The curriculum vitae is an important component of the evaluation.

Applicants should clearly present relevant:

• Academic qualifications.
• Publications.
• Research experience.
• Previous scholarly achievements.
• Fellowships and awards.
• Relevant academic positions.
• Conference participation.
• Other evidence of research ability.

6. Choose Appropriate Referees

The two recommenders should know the applicant’s scholarly work well enough to provide meaningful assessments.

Applicants should give referees sufficient information about the proposed project so that their recommendations can address the candidate’s research ability and potential.

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Why Scholars From Outside Italy May Find This Fellowship Particularly Valuable

The fellowship explicitly gives special consideration to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

This can be particularly significant for scholars based in countries where access to Italian Renaissance collections, archives, libraries, and specialized academic networks is limited.

For researchers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions, the fellowship may provide an opportunity to access resources and develop scholarly relationships that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

The international character of the fellowship also fits the broader goal of encouraging geographically expansive approaches to Renaissance studies.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 at Harvard University’s I Tatti.

Residential Nature of the Fellowship

The Berenson Fellowship is not a remote fellowship.

Successful Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at I Tatti.

Applicants should therefore be prepared for an extended period of residence in Italy.

The residential requirement is central to the fellowship because I Tatti seeks to foster direct scholarly interaction among researchers.

Applicants should consider accommodation, visa requirements, health coverage, travel, and other relocation arrangements when planning their application.

The Broader Academic Value of the Fellowship

Beyond the financial grant, the Berenson Fellowship can offer significant professional and intellectual value.

Researchers have the opportunity to work in an environment specifically dedicated to Italian Renaissance studies while engaging with scholars from different academic backgrounds.

The fellowship can support:

• Concentrated research.
• Development of original scholarship.
• Access to specialized library resources.
• International academic networking.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Exposure to different approaches to Renaissance studies.
• Development of manuscripts and other scholarly outputs.
• Deeper engagement with Italian research resources.
• Participation in an international scholarly community.

For scholars whose projects require sustained concentration and access to specialized resources, this environment can be particularly valuable.

For more global Fellowship opportunity visit OFY HERE