Wallace Fellowship 2027–2028 at Harvard’s I Tatti: $5,200 Monthly Stipend for Scholars Researching the Italian Renaissance

The Wallace Fellowship at Harvard University’s Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies offers scholars an opportunity to dedicate several months to advanced research on the historiography, influence, transformation, and continuing impact of the Italian Renaissance in the modern era.

Supported by a generous grant from The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund, the Wallace Fellowship is designed for scholars whose research explores how the Italian Renaissance has been understood, interpreted, transformed, and represented from the 19th century through the 21st century.

The fellowship provides selected scholars with a residential research period in Florence, Italy, allowing them to concentrate on their proposed projects while benefiting from access to Harvard’s scholarly resources and the intellectual community at I Tatti.

Up to four Wallace Fellowships are awarded each year, and the residential fellowship can last either four or six months.

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by November 16, 2026, while letters of recommendation must be submitted by November 21, 2026.

About the Wallace Fellowship

The Wallace Fellowship is intended for scholars conducting research into the Italian Renaissance and its relationship with the modern era.

The fellowship recognizes that the Renaissance continues to have a significant influence on modern scholarship, culture, artistic production, architecture, literature, music, philosophy, political thought, museums, collecting practices, and other areas of intellectual and cultural life.

Rather than limiting applicants to one specific academic discipline, the fellowship welcomes a broad range of research projects that examine the ways the Renaissance has survived, been interpreted, transformed, or commented upon during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

This makes the fellowship potentially relevant to researchers working across multiple fields, provided that their proposed project has a meaningful connection to the historiography or impact of the Italian Renaissance in the modern era.

Research Areas Covered by the Wallace Fellowship

Applicants can propose projects addressing a wide range of topics connected to the Renaissance and modernity.

Potential areas of research include:

• Historiography of the Italian Renaissance
• The impact of the Renaissance on modern thought and culture
• Modern interpretations of the Italian Renaissance
• Reactions to Renaissance ideas and traditions
• Transformations of Renaissance concepts in the modern era
• Commentary on the Renaissance and its relationship with modernity
• Museum history
• Collecting history
• Renaissance influences on modern art
• Renaissance influences on modern architecture
• Photography
• Landscape architecture
• Literature
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political thought
• History
• Material culture
• Religion
• Science

The fellowship therefore provides considerable intellectual scope for researchers whose work connects Renaissance studies with developments and debates in the modern period.

Apply HERE

A Residential Research Opportunity in Florence

One of the defining features of the Wallace Fellowship is its residential nature.

Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area during their fellowship and spend at least three days per week at I Tatti.

This arrangement is intended to give scholars the time and environment necessary to concentrate deeply on their research.

I Tatti describes the fellowship environment as providing Fellows with valuable time to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions, while also giving them access to substantial scholarly resources.

The combination of dedicated research time and access to an active academic community makes the fellowship particularly suitable for scholars who need an extended period of concentrated research.

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Life and Academic Community at I Tatti

Wallace Fellows are not isolated researchers. They become part of the broader scholarly environment at I Tatti.

Each year, certain activities organized at the center are reserved for Fellows, and Fellows are expected to participate in the wider intellectual community.

This includes joining:

• Conferences
• Lectures
• Concerts
• Other scholarly and cultural activities organized at the center

The expectation of collegial participation means that applicants are evaluated not only on the quality of their research but also on their potential contribution to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center.

Wallace Fellowship Duration

The Wallace Fellowship is a residential fellowship lasting either:

• Four months, or
• Six months

Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred fellowship period when applying.

They must choose between:

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

Applicants should therefore consider their research schedule carefully before selecting their preferred term.

Wallace Fellowship Financial Support

Selected Fellows receive significant financial support during their residence in Florence.

The fellowship provides:

Monthly Grant

Fellows receive:

USD 5,200 per month

This monthly grant is intended to support the Fellow during the residential research period.

Relocation Supplement

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

This additional support is intended to help offset relocation expenses associated with moving to Florence for the fellowship.

Housing Support in Florence

Because the Wallace Fellowship is residential, housing is an important part of the fellowship arrangement.

When possible, an apartment will be set aside for the Fellow’s use rent-free, although the Fellow will be responsible for utility charges.

If an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy will be provided to help offset rental costs.

This arrangement can substantially reduce the financial burden associated with living in Florence during the fellowship.

However, applicants should understand that housing is subject to availability and that Fellows may need to use the housing subsidy if an apartment cannot be provided.

Access to Harvard’s Resources

Wallace Fellows enjoy the privileges available to Fellows at the Harvard Center.

One particularly important resource is the Biblioteca Berenson, which Fellows can use seven days a week.

Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in lunch with other appointees from Monday through Friday.

Although Term Fellows do not receive a private office or study, they are provided with their own desk or carrel in the Library.

This arrangement is designed to provide scholars with a dedicated workspace while keeping them connected to the research environment of the center.

Important Restrictions During the Fellowship

Applicants should carefully consider the fellowship’s requirements before applying.

Wallace Fellows are expected to devote themselves to the research project for which they were selected.

During the fellowship:

• Fellows must work solely on the project with which they applied.
• They may not simultaneously work on editing other books or article projects.
• They may not take on other obligations such as teaching positions, including part-time teaching.
• The fellowship cannot be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
• The fellowship cannot be deferred.
• Term Fellowships can be held only once.

These conditions emphasize that the fellowship is intended to provide scholars with dedicated time for one substantial research project.

Who Can Apply for the Wallace Fellowship?

Applicants must meet several academic and professional requirements.

At the time of application, scholars must already have a PhD.

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

Applicants also:

• Must not be working toward a second PhD at the time of application.
• Must be prepared to work solely on their proposed fellowship project.
• Must be conversant in English.
• Must have familiarity with Italian.
• Should have a research project that falls within the fellowship’s thematic scope.
• Must be able to conduct most of their research in Florence.

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

Applicants From All Nations Are Welcome

The Wallace Fellowship is open to scholars from all nations.

The program does not restrict applications to scholars from a particular country or continent.

Importantly, I Tatti gives special consideration to candidates who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

This means that scholars who face limited access to Italian research resources may receive particular consideration during the selection process.

Academic Fields Eligible for Consideration

The fellowship has a broad interdisciplinary focus.

Proposed projects may address the Renaissance’s historiography or impact in fields including:

• Art
• Architecture
• Landscape architecture
• History
• Literature
• Material culture
• Music
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Science

Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating a strong intellectual connection between their proposed research and the Italian Renaissance’s role, interpretation, influence, or transformation in the modern era.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are evaluated by international scholars.

The selection process considers several elements of an applicant’s academic profile and proposed research.

Particular attention is given to:

1. The strength of the proposed project

The research proposal should present a strong and compelling scholarly project.

2. Potential for original results

Applicants should demonstrate that their research has the potential to produce original findings or meaningful scholarly contributions.

3. Curriculum vitae

The applicant’s academic and research background is an important component of the evaluation.

4. Contribution to the intellectual community

The selection committee also considers the candidate’s ability to contribute collegially to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center.

Applicants should therefore think beyond simply presenting a strong research topic. They should also demonstrate that they can participate constructively in the scholarly community at I Tatti.

Previous Appointments at I Tatti

The Wallace Fellowship is intended primarily for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti.

Term Fellowships can only be held once.

However, there is an exception for Graduate Fellows.

Applicants who have previously held an appointment at I Tatti should therefore carefully review the eligibility conditions before preparing an application.

Visa, Residence Permit, and Health Coverage

International scholars selected for the fellowship are responsible for arranging the documentation and coverage required for their residence in Italy.

The Fellow is responsible for obtaining:

• A visa, where required
• A permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)
• Health coverage
• Appropriate documentation and arrangements for accompanying family members, where applicable

Applicants should determine whether they require a visa and, if necessary, obtain it before traveling to Italy.

These immigration and health-related responsibilities should be considered when planning for the fellowship.

Outside Funding and Salary

Applicants who receive a partial salary or outside grants must disclose this information.

Such funding should be indicated either:

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

Permission must be received if the applicant has partial salary or outside grant support.

Applicants should therefore provide accurate information about any other sources of financial support connected to their research or professional circumstances.

Application Language

Applications for the Wallace Fellowship may be written in either:

• English, or
• Italian

This gives eligible scholars flexibility in presenting their research proposal and other application materials.

However, applicants are expected to be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian.

Wallace Fellowship Application Deadline

The main application deadline is:

November 16, 2026

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

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their materials because technical or administrative problems could potentially interfere with a timely submission.

Recommendation Letter Deadline

Letters of recommendation have a separate deadline:

November 21, 2026

Applicants must have two scholars who know their work well submit recommendations online by this date.

The recommendation letters may be written in:

• English, or
• Italian

Applicants are strongly encouraged to register their referees as early as possible through the reference tab so that the referees have sufficient time to complete and submit their recommendations.

Choosing Recommendation Writers

Applicants should select two scholars who know their academic and research work well.

A strong recommendation can help provide the selection committee with additional insight into:

• The applicant’s academic ability
• Research experience
• Scholarly potential
• Quality of previous work
• Capacity to undertake the proposed project

Applicants should also make sure that their referees understand the nature of the proposed project and the relevant submission deadline.

The applicant is responsible for informing the scholars writing on their behalf about the project and recommendation deadline.

One Fellowship Type Per Academic Year

Scholars can apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.

Applicants should therefore carefully consider which I Tatti fellowship best corresponds to their research profile before submitting an application.

Submitting applications for multiple fellowship types during the same academic year is not permitted.

How to Prepare a Strong Wallace Fellowship Application

Because the selection committee pays particular attention to the proposed project, applicants should make the research proposal one of the strongest parts of their application.

A well-prepared application should clearly communicate:

1. The central research question

Explain exactly what the project seeks to investigate.

2. The connection to the Italian Renaissance

Clearly establish how the proposed research relates to the historiography, influence, transformation, survival, or interpretation of the Italian Renaissance in the modern era.

3. The modern-era dimension

The Wallace Fellowship focuses specifically on the relationship between the Renaissance and the modern era. Applicants should make this connection clear.

4. The potential for original results

Explain what new contribution the research could make and why the project has the potential to produce original findings.

5. Why Florence is important

Since applicants must be able to carry out most of their research in Florence, it is useful for the proposal to demonstrate why access to resources in Florence and at I Tatti is important for the project.

6. A clear research plan

Applicants should have a realistic understanding of what they intend to accomplish during their four- or six-month residential period.

Why the Wallace Fellowship Is a Significant Research Opportunity

The Wallace Fellowship combines several elements that can be valuable for scholars undertaking advanced research.

The fellowship provides:

• A dedicated residential research period in Florence
• USD 5,200 per month
• Up to USD 1,800 in relocation support
• Potential rent-free apartment accommodation when available
• Housing subsidy when an apartment is unavailable
• Access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week
• A dedicated desk or carrel in the Library
• Participation in the intellectual community at I Tatti
• Access to conferences, lectures, concerts, and other activities
• The opportunity to work alongside scholars and other appointees
• A research environment designed to minimize competing obligations

For scholars whose work requires substantial engagement with Italian Renaissance materials and resources in Florence, these features can provide a valuable environment for concentrated academic research.

Key Facts About the Wallace Fellowship

Detail	Information
Fellowship	Wallace Fellowship
Host institution	Harvard University’s I Tatti
Location	Florence, Italy
Duration	Four or six months
Fellowships awarded	Up to four per year
Monthly grant	USD 5,200
Relocation supplement	Up to USD 1,800
Housing	Apartment when available or housing subsidy
Main application language	English or Italian
PhD requirement	PhD must be held at application
English requirement	Applicants must be conversant in English
Italian requirement	Familiarity with Italian required
Geographic eligibility	Scholars from all nations
Main deadline	November 16, 2026
Recommendation deadline	November 21, 2026

Important Dates to Remember

Applicants should keep the following dates in their calendars:

November 16, 2026: Main application deadline. Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time.

November 21, 2026: Deadline for the two online letters of recommendation.

Because the recommendation deadline comes after the main application deadline, applicants should contact their referees well in advance rather than waiting until the application deadline approaches.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should make sure that they:

• Hold a PhD at the time of application.
• Have a scan of their PhD certificate ready to upload.
• Are not pursuing a second PhD.
• Have a project directly relevant to the fellowship’s research scope.
• Can conduct most of their research in Florence.
• Are conversant in English.
• Have familiarity with Italian.
• Understand that the fellowship is residential.
• Can live in the Florence area and spend at least three days each week at the center.
• Are prepared to work exclusively on the proposed project.
• Do not plan to take on teaching or other obligations during the fellowship.
• Have identified two scholars who can provide recommendations.
• Have registered their referees early enough for them to submit their recommendations.
• Have selected their preferred fall or winter-spring term.
• Have considered visa, residence permit, and health coverage requirements.
• Have disclosed any partial salary or outside grant support where applicable.
• Are applying for only one type of I Tatti fellowship during the academic year.
• Submit the application before November 16, 2026.
• Ensure both recommendation letters are submitted by November 21, 2026.

Conclusion

The Wallace Fellowship at Harvard’s I Tatti provides a highly focused residential research opportunity for scholars investigating the historiography and continuing impact of the Italian Renaissance in the modern era.

With a monthly grant of USD 5,200, a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800, potential housing support, access to the Biblioteca Berenson, and participation in the scholarly community at I Tatti, the fellowship is structured to give selected researchers substantial time and resources to advance an important academic project.

The fellowship welcomes scholars from all nations and supports interdisciplinary research spanning art, architecture, history, literature, material culture, music, philosophy, religion, science, and other fields connected to the Renaissance and modernity.

Prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the research proposal, as the selection committee places significant emphasis on the strength of the proposed project, its potential to produce original results, the applicant’s curriculum vitae, and the candidate’s potential contribution to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center.

Interested scholars should begin preparing early, particularly because two recommendation letters are required. The main application deadline is November 16, 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by November 21, 2026.

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