Harvard Belfer Center Fellowships 2027–2028: Fellowship Opportunities at Harvard Kennedy School

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School has opened applications for its 2027–2028 academic year fellowships, offering scholars, researchers, practitioners, doctoral candidates, policy professionals, scientists, technologists, and other experts opportunities to engage with one of the world’s leading academic and policy research environments.

Located at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Belfer Center brings together research, ideas, and leadership focused on some of the most important challenges affecting international security, science, technology, energy, climate, geopolitics, and global affairs.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications are currently open, with the main application deadline set for December 1, 2026. Applicants who require recommendation letters should note that recommendation letters are due by December 15, 2026.

The fellowships are designed for different categories of professionals and scholars. Consequently, eligibility requirements, academic qualifications, professional experience, geographical focus, research interests, and career stage vary considerably from one fellowship to another.

About the Harvard Belfer Center

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is based at Harvard Kennedy School and focuses on research and policy analysis relating to international security, science, technology, energy, climate, geopolitics, and other major global challenges.

The Center provides fellows with an academic and professional environment where they can interact with Harvard faculty members, researchers, practitioners, and other fellows working across science and international affairs.

Fellows become part of a broader cohort and can benefit from access to Harvard’s intellectual community and research resources, depending on the specific fellowship.

The fellowship portfolio is particularly relevant for individuals whose work connects research, policy, international affairs, science, technology, security, governance, and public leadership.

Harvard Belfer Center Fellowships 2027–2028

The Belfer Center currently lists 14 fellowship opportunities, covering a wide range of research areas and professional backgrounds.

Because the fellowships are not identical, prospective applicants should carefully examine the eligibility requirements and research focus of each individual program before applying.

1. Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship

The Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellows Program is designed to educate and support the next generation of thought leaders in national and international intelligence.

The program supports research intended to develop policy-relevant knowledge addressing important security issues.

Since 2012, the Belfer Center has hosted intelligence officers from the United States and foreign intelligence services for a full academic year of study at Harvard University.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to:

• Intelligence officers from the United States.
• Intelligence officers from foreign intelligence services.
• Professionals who are moving into leadership positions within their organizations.
• Existing intelligence leaders seeking an academic environment to advance their knowledge and research.

Applicants should therefore have a professional background in intelligence or a closely related field and meet the specific requirements established by the program.

2. Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship

The Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship is hosted by the Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy (ETSAGP).

The program examines the growing relationship between technological and scientific developments and global policy, governance, and geopolitics.

The fellowship is particularly suited to researchers whose work addresses how emerging technologies and scientific advancement are affecting international affairs and policymaking.

The program is intended for:

• Current doctoral students who are in the dissertation-writing stage.
• Recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

The fellowship is led within the Belfer Center’s broader work on emerging technologies, scientific advancement, global policy, and geopolitical change.

3. Managing the Atom Fellowship

The Managing the Atom program offers fellowships for predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars as well as mid-career professionals.

The fellowship lasts for approximately ten months and focuses on research related to nuclear policy and international security.

Potential research areas include:

• Nuclear nonproliferation policy.
• Nuclear weapons strategy.
• Arms control.
• Nuclear disarmament processes.
• Nuclear verification.
• The future of nuclear energy.
• Regional conflict involving nuclear weapons.
• Security of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials.
• Other significant areas of nuclear policy.

Eligible professional categories include:

• Current doctoral students in the dissertation-writing stage.
• Recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
• University faculty members.
• Mid-career professionals with relevant expertise.

Because the program focuses on nuclear policy, applicants should have research or professional experience that is relevant to the program’s areas of interest.

4. International Security Program Fellowship

The International Security Program Fellowship focuses on developing and training new talent in the field of security studies.

The program hosts both predoctoral and postdoctoral research fellows and supports research in international security and related areas.

The fellowship is intended for:

• Predoctoral candidates.
• Recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

Applicants should demonstrate an academic or research connection to security studies and the program’s areas of research.

5. Geopolitics of Energy Fellowship

The Geopolitics of Energy Project Fellowship focuses on the relationship between:

• International politics.
• Energy.
• Security.
• Geopolitics.

The fellowship is intended for:

• Predoctoral candidates.
• Recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

It is particularly relevant to researchers investigating how energy resources, energy systems, and energy policy interact with international politics and security.

6. Energy, Climate, and Technology Policy Fellowship

The Energy, Climate, and Technology Policy Fellowship provides fellows with an opportunity to contribute to ongoing research involving energy policy, climate policy, climate finance, and energy technology innovation.

Research areas include:

• Energy policy.
• Climate policy.
• Climate finance.
• Energy technology.
• Technology innovation.
• The policy implications of energy and climate developments.

The program welcomes:

• Predoctoral candidates.
• Recent Ph.D. or equivalent degree recipients.
• Visiting scholars.
• Researchers at the junior faculty level.

This fellowship can be particularly relevant to researchers working at the intersection of climate change, technology, energy systems, finance, and public policy.

7. Emirates Leadership Initiative

The Emirates Leadership Initiative Research Fellowship is hosted by the Middle East Initiative at the Belfer Center.

It provides junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars with a ten-month stipend and access to Harvard’s libraries and other resources.

Fellows pursue independent research projects addressing critical public policy issues relevant to:

• The United Arab Emirates.
• The Gulf region.
• The broader Arab world.

The fellowship is particularly focused on scholars who are from the UAE, the Gulf, and the Arab world and who intend to return to the region.

This makes the program especially relevant to policy-oriented academics whose research and professional goals are connected to the region.

8. Kuwait Program Research Fellowship

The Kuwait Program Research Fellowship is also hosted by the Middle East Initiative.

The fellowship provides junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars with a ten-month stipend and access to Harvard resources.

Fellows pursue independent research on important public policy issues concerning Kuwait, the Gulf region, and related policy questions.

Applicants are expected to fall within the program’s geographical and professional focus. The fellowship is intended for junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars and faculty who are:

• From Kuwait.
• Currently residing and working in Kuwait.
• Formally affiliated with a Kuwait-based academic or research institution.

9. Israel Program Research Fellowship

The Israel Program Research Fellowship brings experienced practitioners and scholars working on Israel and related regional issues to Harvard for short-term, high-impact research residencies.

The fellowship is intended for:

• Mid-career scholars.
• Senior scholars.
• Practitioners with a demonstrated record of contribution to research and public discourse concerning Israel and related regional issues.

Applicants should therefore have substantial professional or scholarly experience and a clear connection to the fellowship’s research focus.

10. Kuwait Program Visiting Scholar Fellowship

The Kuwait Program Visiting Scholar Fellowship provides senior policy-oriented scholars and faculty from Kuwait with an opportunity to conduct research at Harvard.

Depending on the scholar’s availability, the fellowship may involve either:

• One semester, or
• One academic year.

Visiting scholars may conduct a study group or pursue an independent research project concerning a critical public policy area relevant to Kuwait.

The program is specifically intended for senior policy-oriented scholars and faculty from Kuwait.

11. Belfer Young Leaders Student Fellowship

The Belfer Young Leaders (BYL) Student Fellowship Program is designed to help prepare Harvard Kennedy School students for leadership in global affairs.

The program emphasizes:

• Global ideas.
• Analytical skills.
• Innovative leadership.
• International affairs.
• Policy and leadership development.

Unlike many of the other Belfer Center fellowships, this opportunity is specifically designed for students enrolled at Harvard Kennedy School.

Eligible students include:

• Two-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) students.
• Master in Public Administration (MPA) students.

Students can apply through two different application periods: as prospective Harvard Kennedy School students during the admissions and financial aid process, or as rising second-year MPP/MPA students during March of their first year.

12. Arctic Initiative Fellowship

The Arctic Initiative Fellowship focuses on the rapidly changing Arctic region and the policy challenges and opportunities created by those changes.

Fellows are expected to conduct research aligned with the priorities of the Arctic Initiative.

Important research areas include:

• Arctic transformation.
• Government policies.
• International policies.
• Laws and regulations.
• Governance of Arctic challenges.
• Opportunities created by changes in the Arctic.
• Evaluation and improvement of existing policy responses.

The fellowship can accommodate a broad range of professional and academic profiles, including:

• Predoctoral candidates.
• Recent Ph.D. recipients.
• Visiting scholars.
• Seasoned practitioners.
• Junior faculty researchers.

13. Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy

The Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy is designed to develop scholars and professionals who can apply historical research and analysis to strategic studies and major international affairs issues.

The fellowship seeks to connect professional history with contemporary strategic policy questions.

The opportunity is intended for:

• History predoctoral candidates.
• Ph.D. recipients.

Applicants should have an academic background and research interests relevant to history, strategic studies, and international affairs.

14. Nova Fellowship

The Nova Fellowship is hosted by the Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy.

The program focuses on the policy implications of emerging technologies and scientific developments, with the objective of improving understanding, use, impact, and governance of emerging technologies globally.

Potential fields include:

• Artificial intelligence.
• Biotechnology.
• Quantum computing.
• Space.
• Other emerging technologies.
• Science and technology policy.
• Global technology governance.

The fellowship is aimed at senior-level technologists, scientists, and engineers.

The program particularly prefers:

• Private-sector innovators.
• Founders.
• Researchers.
• Experienced technology professionals who have demonstrated significant impact in their fields.

This fellowship is therefore substantially different from the predoctoral opportunities at the Belfer Center because it targets established professionals with a significant record of achievement.

What Fellows Can Gain From the Belfer Center

One of the major features of the Belfer Center fellowship experience is the opportunity to become part of an academic and professional community working on major international challenges.

Depending on the fellowship, fellows may benefit from:

Access to Harvard’s intellectual community

Fellows can interact with Harvard faculty members, researchers, practitioners, and other experts working across science and international affairs.

Research opportunities

Many of the fellowships provide an environment for fellows to conduct independent or policy-oriented research.

Policy engagement

Several programs specifically emphasize translating academic and professional expertise into policy-relevant knowledge.

A multidisciplinary environment

The Belfer Center’s fellowship portfolio spans disciplines including:

• International security.
• Intelligence.
• Energy.
• Climate.
• Technology.
• Geopolitics.
• Nuclear policy.
• History.
• Public policy.
• International affairs.

Fellowship cohort

Fellows become part of a broader cohort of individuals working on issues connected to science, international affairs, security, technology, and public policy.

This creates opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration across different academic and professional backgrounds.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The Belfer Center fellowship portfolio is broad, but it is not a single fellowship with one universal eligibility requirement.

Applicants should first identify the specific fellowship that corresponds to their academic background, professional experience, geographical connection, career stage, and research interests.

Potential applicants include:

1. Doctoral students
   Several programs accept candidates who are currently completing doctoral research, particularly those in the dissertation-writing stage.
2. Recent Ph.D. graduates
   A number of fellowships are specifically designed for recent doctoral graduates.
3. University faculty and researchers
   Certain opportunities are available to faculty members and junior researchers.
4. Mid-career professionals
   Some fellowships are designed for experienced professionals with substantial expertise in policy or specialized fields.
5. Senior scholars and practitioners
   Certain programs target established professionals with demonstrated records of contribution to research and public discourse.
6. Scientists, technologists, and engineers
   The Nova Fellowship, for example, focuses on senior professionals working in emerging technology and science.
7. Intelligence professionals
   The Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship specifically targets intelligence officers and professionals moving into or already occupying leadership positions.
8. Harvard Kennedy School students
   The Belfer Young Leaders Student Fellowship is specifically designed for qualifying MPP and MPA students at Harvard Kennedy School.

Geographical Eligibility

There is no single country or nationality requirement covering all Belfer Center fellowships.

Eligibility depends on the specific fellowship.

Some programs have a broad international focus. For example, the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship has hosted intelligence officers from both the United States and foreign intelligence services.

Other fellowships have specific geographical requirements.

For example:

• The Emirates Leadership Initiative focuses particularly on scholars from and intending to return to the UAE, Gulf region, and broader Arab world.
• The Kuwait Program Research Fellowship focuses on scholars from Kuwait, people residing and working in Kuwait, or individuals formally affiliated with a Kuwait-based academic or research institution.
• The Kuwait Program Visiting Scholar Fellowship is intended for senior scholars and faculty from Kuwait.
• Other fellowships are organized primarily around academic or professional qualifications rather than a specific nationality.

Therefore, applicants from outside the United States should not assume that the entire Belfer fellowship portfolio is restricted to U.S. citizens or residents. At the same time, applicants should not assume that every fellowship is globally open because individual programs can have specific geographic restrictions.

Key Application Deadline

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications to the Belfer Center fellowships are currently open.

Important dates

• Application deadline: December 1, 2026
• Recommendation letters deadline: December 15, 2026

Applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline, particularly if their chosen fellowship requires recommendation letters, a research proposal, academic documentation, evidence of professional experience, or other supporting materials.

Because recommendation letters have a separate deadline, applicants should contact potential referees early rather than waiting until the final application date.

Click HERE for more information about Harvard Belfer Center Fellowships 2027–2028.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants should begin by reviewing the Belfer Center’s fellowship portfolio and identifying the program that most closely matches their qualifications and research interests.

The application process can be approached in the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the appropriate fellowship

Review the available fellowships and determine which program matches your:

• Academic level.
• Professional experience.
• Research area.
• Career stage.
• Geographic connection.
• Long-term professional goals.

Step 2: Review the specific eligibility requirements

Do not rely solely on the general Belfer Center fellowship announcement.

Each fellowship has its own eligibility criteria. A doctoral student, for example, may qualify for a predoctoral fellowship but not for a program designed for senior practitioners.

Step 3: Develop your research focus

Many Belfer fellowships involve substantial research. Applicants should therefore have a clear understanding of the issue they want to investigate and why that research is relevant to the fellowship.

Step 4: Prepare supporting documents

Applicants should carefully review the application requirements for their chosen fellowship and prepare all required materials.

Step 5: Arrange recommendation letters

Because recommendation letters are due on December 15, 2026, applicants should approach referees before the main application deadline.

Step 6: Submit the application

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year should be submitted through the Belfer Center’s official application portal.

APPLY HERE

Why Applicants Should Review the Individual Fellowship Carefully

The Belfer Center’s fellowship portfolio covers very different career stages.

For example, an applicant who is currently completing an undergraduate degree would not automatically qualify simply because applications are open. Many of the programs require doctoral-level study, a Ph.D., faculty experience, specialized professional experience, or senior-level expertise.

Similarly, someone interested in technology should determine whether their profile aligns with the Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship or the more senior Nova Fellowship, rather than assuming that all technology-related applicants are eligible for every program.

Geographical requirements also matter. Some fellowships are specifically connected to countries or regions such as Kuwait, the Gulf, the UAE, or the Arab world.

The most appropriate fellowship is therefore determined by the combination of academic qualifications, professional experience, research interests, career stage, and geographical eligibility.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should consider the following:

Match your background to the fellowship

Choose a fellowship where your academic or professional record directly supports the program’s objectives.

Demonstrate research relevance

If the fellowship involves research, explain the importance of your proposed work and how it contributes to the program’s research priorities.

Consider career stage

Pay close attention to whether the program is intended for predoctoral candidates, recent Ph.D. graduates, junior faculty, mid-career professionals, or senior practitioners.

Check geographic requirements

Some programs have specific regional or national eligibility requirements.

Prepare recommendation letters early

The recommendation deadline is later than the main application deadline, but applicants should not wait until December to begin contacting referees.

Review the official fellowship page

Requirements can differ substantially across the 14 listed opportunities, so applicants should always verify the latest information for their chosen program before submitting an application.

Conclusion

The Harvard Belfer Center Fellowships 2027–2028 provide a diverse collection of academic and professional opportunities for individuals working across international affairs, security, intelligence, energy, climate, technology, geopolitics, history, and public policy.

Rather than representing one universal fellowship, the program consists of multiple specialized opportunities serving different career stages and professional backgrounds. Some are designed for doctoral researchers and recent Ph.D. graduates, while others target faculty, mid-career professionals, senior practitioners, intelligence officers, scientists, technologists, and Harvard Kennedy School students.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year are open until December 1, 2026, while recommendation letters are due by December 15, 2026.

Prospective applicants should therefore identify the fellowship that best matches their qualifications, carefully review its individual eligibility requirements, prepare their research and supporting materials, and arrange recommendation letters well ahead of the deadlines.

For applicants interested in building expertise at the intersection of research, policy, science, technology, security, and international affairs, the Belfer Center provides a broad platform for engaging with major global challenges through Harvard’s academic and professional community.

Discover more global Fellowship Opportunities on Opportunities For Youth.