Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program is a prestigious two-year fellowship hosted by Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Established to support early-career scholars, the program invites recent PhD graduates from around the world (awarded between May 2022 and August 2026) to pursue independent environmental research in collaboration with Harvard faculty. The fellowship provides a structured environment for interdisciplinary study, professional development, and engagement with Harvard’s vibrant academic community. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is December 1, 2025.

Eligibility 

• Citizenship: Open to international applicants from any country.
• Academic Requirement: Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent terminal degree awarded between May 2022 and August 2026.
• Research Proposal: Candidates should propose a research project and establish a relationship with a Harvard faculty member to host their research.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required.
• Exclusion: Applicants who hold only a master's degree are not eligible.

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Duration: 2 years
• Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Program Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 per year
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
• Relocation Reimbursement: Up to $2,500
• Travel and Professional Expenses Allowance: $2,500 annually
• Office Space: Provided within Harvard facilities

Selection Criteria

• Academic & Professional Achievement: Applicant’s prior success and potential contribution to scholarship or practice.
• Project Evaluation:
  • Projects should represent an independent line of inquiry, extending beyond the candidate’s PhD work and the host’s current research.
  • Relevance to environmental issues and potential for intellectual achievement are critical.
• Diversity & Cohort Composition: Approximately a dozen fellows are selected to create a diverse group of scholars with varied academic interests, skills, and backgrounds.
• Eligibility for Harvard Candidates:
  • PhD graduates or post-docs from Harvard may apply if their research and host arrangement take them in a new direction.
  • Proposals should not continue work with current professors or extend current research.
• Interdisciplinary Encouragement: Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged but not required; single-discipline candidates may also apply.
• Host Commitment: The host faculty member’s enthusiasm, mentoring ability, and provision of office space and productive work environment are considered.
• Interview Requirement: A select group of applicants will be invited for a video discussion with the selection committee.

Finding a Host

• Start Early: Identify and establish a relationship with a Harvard faculty member to host your research.
• Host Role: Provides mentorship, office space, and basic administrative support.
• Recommendation Letter: Each host must submit a maximum two-page letter of support detailing their commitment to the research and candidate.
• Faculty Selection: Some faculty may have their own selection process due to high demand.
• Faculty Resources: Potential hosts can be found on the Salata Institute website or faculty webpages; any Harvard faculty may host, regardless of prior environmental research experience.
• Restrictions:
  • Faculty may host only one Environmental Fellow at a time.
  • Certain faculty members are not eligible for hosting in 2026: Paul Moorcroft, Zhiming Kuang, Caroline Buckee, and Satchit Balsari.
• Alternative Fellowship: Interested candidates may also consider the Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Arnold Arboretum; Global Change Fellows can join the HUCE Environmental Fellows cohort.
• Sponsor Deadlines: For the Department of the History of Science, sponsor requests are due November 1st.
• Questions: Contact Jim Clem, HUCE Managing Director, for further guidance.

Required Documents

• Research Proposal: Detailed description of the proposed environmental research project.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated academic and professional resume.
• Cover Letter: Expressing interest and alignment with the program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from academic or professional references.
• Proof of Degree: Official documentation of a PhD or equivalent terminal degree.

Application Process

1. Develop Research Proposal: Write a compelling research proposal focusing on environmental issues.
2. Identify Faculty Sponsor: Establish a relationship with a Harvard faculty member willing to host your research.
3. Prepare Application Materials: Gather all required documents, including CV, cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
4. Submit Application: Complete the online application form on the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program website before the deadline.
   1. Go to the Harvard Environmental Fellows application portal.
   2. Create a new account if it’s your first time, or log in if you already have one.
5. Review Process: Applications are reviewed by a selection committee; shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews

For more detailed information, please visit the Environmental Fellows Program at Harvard University website.