Harvard Belfer Center Fellowships 2026 | Research Opportunities in Science and International Affairs
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School offers research fellowships for individuals interested in advancing research and writing in science, international affairs, security and public policy.
The fellowship programmes bring together academics, researchers and experienced professionals to investigate important global challenges, collaborate with experts and contribute to policy-relevant research.
Opportunities are available through academic and professional fellowship tracks, catering to candidates at different career stages and from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
About the Belfer Center
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is based at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
The Center brings together researchers and practitioners to examine major international policy challenges. Its research areas include security, defence, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, climate change and energy policy.
Fellows are selected by the Center’s research teams and are expected to collaborate with other researchers while pursuing their own projects. They also gain opportunities to engage with faculty members and affiliated experts.
Types of Belfer Center Fellowships
The Center offers two broad fellowship tracks: academic fellowships and professional fellowships.
1. Academic Track Fellowships
Academic fellowships welcome applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines, including political science, history, law, economics, natural sciences and other interdisciplinary fields.
The academic track includes opportunities for:
- Predoctoral candidates: Researchers pursuing doctoral studies who are interested in science and international affairs.
- Postdoctoral candidates: Researchers seeking to advance their academic work and contribute to policy-relevant research.
- Faculty candidates: Academics interested in research, writing and collaboration with the Center’s research teams.
Applicants should consult the official fellowship page for individual programmes, eligibility criteria and application requirements.
2. Professional Track Fellowships
Professional fellowships are intended for individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including candidates from the public and private sectors.
The Center highlights professional experience in areas such as cybersecurity and technology. One programme offered through this track is the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship.
According to the Center’s information, practitioners for the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation Fellowship are internally selected by their respective government agencies. Prospective applicants should therefore verify the selection process before applying.
Research Areas
Belfer Center fellows work on research related to major international and public policy challenges.
Depending on the programme and research team, topics may include:
- International security and defence.
- Nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
- Cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
- Climate change and energy policy.
- International affairs and global governance.
- Science, technology and public policy.
These research areas provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with complex global issues.
General Application Requirements
Requirements differ across the Center’s fellowship programmes. Applicants should review the specific programme announcement to determine the qualifications, experience and documentation required.
Academic applicants may come from different disciplines and career stages, while professional fellowships may require relevant practical experience.
Candidates should also confirm application deadlines, fellowship duration, expected research contributions and any financial support available.
The information provided on the general fellowship page does not specify one universal set of eligibility criteria or a single deadline for all programmes.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Belfer Center encourages applications from women, underrepresented groups and citizens of all countries.
The Center states that it does not discriminate on grounds including race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. It also aims to promote historically underrepresented groups within the organisation and the field of science and international affairs.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Fellows are expected to benefit from a collaborative research environment, opportunities to work with experienced researchers and access to faculty members and affiliated experts.
The programmes offer a setting in which academics and professionals can develop research, contribute to policy discussions and engage with specialists working on major international challenges.
Stipends, financial assistance and other employment conditions may vary by fellowship. Applicants should check the details of their chosen programme rather than assume that all fellowships provide the same benefits.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Belfer Center fellowships page.
- Explore the academic and professional fellowship tracks.
- Identify the programme that matches your qualifications and research interests.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria and application instructions.
- Prepare the required application documents and submit them through the designated process.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Conclusion
The Belfer Center fellowships offer research opportunities for academics and professionals interested in science, international affairs and public policy.
With academic and professional tracks covering a range of career stages and disciplines, the programmes provide opportunities to collaborate with researchers and contribute to discussions on pressing global challenges.
Prospective applicants should visit the official website for current openings, programme-specific requirements, funding information and application deadlines.
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