The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is inviting applications from researchers whose work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. The program supports rigorous, policy-relevant research focused on urban problem-solving and city leadership, with the aim of strengthening both academic scholarship and practical approaches to challenges facing cities.

Selected applicants will be appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars and will have the opportunity to spend either one semester or one full academic year in residence at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

The program is designed to provide scholars with protected time to advance a specific research project while also participating in the intellectual community of the Center and contributing to selected academic activities.

Application Deadline: October 28, 2026

About the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is a new visiting scholar initiative of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

The program seeks to build a lasting and collaborative community of researchers whose work can contribute to the practice of urban problem-solving and city leadership.

The program is particularly interested in research that can help cities and city leaders strengthen their capacity to:

• Drive performance
• Lead innovation
• Deliver results for residents
• Develop effective policies
• Strengthen organizational capabilities
• Use evidence and data effectively
• Collaborate across sectors

The program therefore provides an opportunity for researchers to pursue rigorous research while engaging with a community focused on translating knowledge into better urban governance and outcomes.

What Is the Bloomberg Center for Cities?

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University supports research and learning focused on helping cities and city leaders improve their ability to deliver results.

The Center’s interests extend across different dimensions of city leadership, management, organizational performance, innovation, evidence-based policymaking, data, artificial intelligence, and cross-sector collaboration.

The Visiting Scholars Program is intended to contribute to this broader mission by bringing researchers into the Center’s intellectual community for a dedicated period of research.

Research Areas of Interest

The Bloomberg Center for Cities supports research addressing significant questions related to urban problem-solving and city leadership.

Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Mayoral Leadership and Management Strategies

Research may examine how mayors and other city leaders manage organizations, implement priorities, lead change, and deliver results.

Applicants working on leadership and management approaches within cities may find alignment with this area of interest.

2. High-Performing Staff and Teams

Another area of interest is understanding the conditions that enable high-performing staff and teams.

Research could examine organizational environments, management practices, leadership approaches, or other factors that contribute to effective public-sector teams.

3. Organizational Capabilities for Innovation

The program is also interested in research examining how organizations develop the capabilities needed to innovate.

This can include questions surrounding organizational structures, leadership, management, processes, and other conditions that support innovation in city government.

4. Evidence-Based Policy Solutions

The Center is interested in evidence-based policy solutions and the capacity required to implement and deliver them.

This creates an opportunity for researchers to examine not only which policies work, but also the institutional and organizational capabilities needed to put those policies into practice.

5. Data and Artificial Intelligence

The use of data and artificial intelligence to strengthen decision-making is another area of particular interest.

Researchers may explore how data and AI can support better decision-making in urban environments.

6. Cross-Sector Collaboration

The program also highlights effective approaches to cross-sector collaboration.

Research in this area may examine how governments, organizations, communities, and other actors can work together to address complex urban challenges.

These areas are not presented as an exhaustive list. The broader focus is on research that advances understanding and practice in urban problem-solving and city leadership.

Program Structure

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is designed primarily to provide scholars with protected time for research.

During their residency, selected scholars will focus primarily on advancing the research project described in their application.

The residency can last for either:

• One semester, or
• One full academic year

This flexibility allows selected scholars to participate in the program for a period that fits the scope of their research and individual circumstances.

Research Focus During the Residency

The central purpose of the residency is to give scholars dedicated time to develop their proposed research.

The research project should be clearly defined in the application and should address a meaningful challenge related to urban problem-solving or city leadership.

While research will be the primary focus, scholars will also be expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Bloomberg Center for Cities through a limited number of structured activities.

Activities and Expectations for Visiting Scholars

In addition to their research, Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars will participate in several activities during their residency.

Research Seminar

Scholars will be expected to host one research seminar per semester.

The seminar should focus on the scholar’s ongoing research or related themes.

This provides an opportunity to share research with members of the Center’s intellectual community and receive discussion and feedback.

Student Study Group

Scholars will also be expected to convene a student study group connected to their research.

The study group will:

• Meet twice per month
• Include monthly office hours
• Facilitate discussion related to the scholar’s research

The study group is intended to facilitate discussion rather than function as formal classroom instruction.

Harvard Community Event

Each scholar will also organize one event, such as a talk or panel, that is open to the broader Harvard community.

This provides another opportunity for scholars to share ideas and engage with the wider university community.

Housing and Financial Support

The program provides housing near Harvard University for participating scholars.

In addition, financial assistance is available to help scholars dedicate sustained time to their proposed research project.

Depending on an individual scholar’s circumstances, financial support may be used to facilitate:

• Course buyout
• Other arrangements that allow the scholar to step back from regular academic obligations
• Dedicated time to focus on the proposed research

The purpose of this support is to help selected scholars create sufficient protected time to advance their research during the residency.

Visa Support

The Bloomberg Center for Cities anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars, subject to:

• Institutional policies
• The individual scholar’s circumstances

International applicants should therefore consider the applicable visa and institutional requirements as part of the residency planning process.

Who Can Apply?

The program invites applications from researchers whose work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Applicants may come from:

• Different disciplinary backgrounds
• Different career stages

The program therefore does not restrict applicants to a single academic discipline, provided their research aligns with the Center’s mission and interests.

Academic Requirement

Applicants must hold a:

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree).

This is a core eligibility requirement for the program.

Current Academic or Research Appointment

At the time of application, applicants must also hold a current faculty or research appointment at one of the following:

• A degree-granting university, or
• A recognized research institution

Therefore, holding a doctoral degree alone is not sufficient. Applicants must also have a current qualifying faculty or research appointment when they apply.

Research Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a proposal describing the specific research project they intend to pursue during their residency.

The proposal is a central part of the application and should clearly explain the research project and its relevance to urban problem-solving and city leadership.

The proposal should address several important components.

1. Urban Problem or City Leadership Challenge

Applicants should clearly identify the urban problem or city leadership challenge their research will address.

The problem should be significant and connected to the broader mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

2. Research Questions

The proposal should explain the specific research question or questions that the project will examine.

Applicants should also identify the theory or theories underpinning the work.

3. Research Design and Methodology

Applicants should describe the research design and methodological approach they intend to use.

This should demonstrate how the research questions will be investigated.

4. Significance for Research and Practice

Applicants should explain why the project matters to both:

• The relevant research field, and
• The practice of urban problem-solving

The program is particularly interested in work that can contribute not only to scholarship but also to real-world urban challenges.

5. Outputs and Potential Impact

The proposal should also identify the types of outputs envisioned and the potential impact of the research.

Applicants should therefore consider what their research could produce and how those outputs could contribute to scholarship and urban practice.

Selection Process

After applications are submitted, applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with members of a selection committee.

Following the selection process, successful applicants will be formally appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars.

The selection process therefore considers both the submitted application and, where applicable, the interview stage.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on several key criteria.

Clarity and Significance of the Research Problem

The selection committee will consider how clearly the applicant identifies the research problem and the significance of the issue being studied.

Strength of the Research Design

The quality and strength of the proposed research design will also be considered.

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed methodology will address their research questions.

Contribution to Scholarship and Practice

The program will assess the potential contribution of the proposed research to:

• Academic scholarship
• The practice of urban problem-solving

This reflects the program’s emphasis on research that can have relevance beyond academia.

Alignment With the Bloomberg Center for Cities

Applications will also be evaluated based on their alignment with the mission and thematic interests of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Applicants should therefore clearly demonstrate how their proposed research connects with the Center’s focus on urban problem-solving and city leadership.

Program Timeline

The application timeline provided for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is:

Applicants should complete and submit their application by October 28, 2026.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Prospective applicants should ensure that their application clearly connects their research with the program’s focus.

1. Define the Urban Challenge Clearly

Start by identifying the specific urban problem or city leadership challenge your research addresses.

2. Develop Clear Research Questions

Make sure the research questions are specific and directly connected to the problem you identify.

3. Explain the Research Methodology

Clearly describe how you intend to conduct the research and why the proposed methodology is appropriate.

4. Demonstrate Relevance to Urban Practice

Explain how the research could contribute to practical urban problem-solving, rather than focusing exclusively on its academic contribution.

5. Show Alignment With the Center

Connect your proposed project to relevant areas of interest at the Bloomberg Center for Cities, such as:

• City leadership
• Organizational performance
• Innovation
• Evidence-based policy
• Data and AI
• Cross-sector collaboration

6. Explain Potential Outputs

Identify what you expect the research to produce and how those outputs could potentially contribute to research and practice.

7. Consider the Residency Commitment

Applicants should consider whether a one-semester or full-year residency is appropriate for their research project and professional circumstances.

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Why the Program May Be Valuable for Researchers

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program combines several components that can support researchers working on urban challenges.

These include:

• Protected time dedicated primarily to research
• Residence at Harvard University’s Bloomberg Center for Cities
• Access to an intellectual community focused on urban problem-solving
• Housing near Harvard University
• Financial assistance to support sustained research time
• Opportunities to engage with students
• Opportunities to organize research discussions and events
• Potential visa sponsorship for selected scholars, subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances
• Opportunities to connect academic research with practical urban leadership challenges

The program’s structure is particularly focused on creating an environment where scholars can advance a specific research project while contributing to a wider intellectual community.

Application Deadline

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program application deadline is October 28, 2026.

Applications opened on September 16, 2026.

Prospective applicants should allow sufficient time to develop their research proposal, review their eligibility, and prepare the required application materials before the deadline.

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Conclusion

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program offers researchers an opportunity to spend one semester or one full academic year in residence at Harvard University’s Bloomberg Center for Cities, with protected time to advance a research project focused on urban problem-solving and city leadership.

The program welcomes researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds and career stages, provided they meet the core eligibility requirements of holding a Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree and a current faculty or research appointment at a degree-granting university or recognized research institution.

Successful applicants will focus primarily on their proposed research while also contributing to the intellectual community through research seminars, student study groups, and a Harvard community event.

Researchers whose work addresses issues such as mayoral leadership, high-performing teams, organizational innovation, evidence-based policy, data and artificial intelligence, or cross-sector collaboration may find particular alignment with the Center’s areas of interest.

With applications closing on October 28, 2026, eligible researchers interested in advancing policy-relevant research on cities and urban leadership should review the program requirements and prepare their application before the deadline.

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