The Weatherhead Scholars Program, hosted by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, brings together a dynamic cohort of academics and practitioners from around the world to pursue independent research on international, transnational, and comparative issues.
Each year, around 30 affiliates are selected, including postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and practitioner fellows. Most appointments last the full academic year, though one-semester options are possible.
Fellowship Categories
1. Postdoctoral Fellows
- For recent PhD graduates (within 3 years) in the social sciences.
- Focus on international, transnational, or comparative topics.
- Three dedicated fellowships available:
- Raphael Morrison Dorman Fellowship (open discipline).
- Moulay Hicham Alaoui Fellowship (climate/environment in MENA).
- Sang-Kee Kim Fellowship (East & Southeast Asia, excluding Japan & China).
- Benefits: $70,000 salary (12 months) + Harvard benefits.
- Deadline: October 15, 2025.
2. Visiting Scholars
- For tenured or tenure-track faculty in social sciences.
- Must hold a PhD and propose a project aligned with the Weatherhead Center.
- Fee: $10,000 (year) / $5,000 (semester).
- Deadline: October 15, 2025.
3. Practitioner Fellows
- Open to mid-career and senior professionals (diplomats, journalists, NGO leaders, civil servants, military officers, etc.).
- Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and propose a project relevant to the Weatherhead Center’s mission.
- Fee: $25,000 (year) / $12,500 (semester).
- Deadline: February 15, 2026.
Key Details
- Applicants must apply via Harvard’s ARIeS portal.
- Highly competitive program (approx. 5% acceptance for postdocs).
- Encourages interdisciplinary research and dialogue between academia and practice.
More information please see the Weatherhead Scholars Program website.
