The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University runs an open call for fellows: academics and practitioners who propose and lead their own research. The most recent call sought work aligned with the Center’s AI research agenda.
Fellows produce at least one public output and join the Center’s community life, ideally in residence at its Harvard Law School offices. The 2026 call is closed; no new call is posted yet.
Benefits & funding
- BKC funding: a fully funded fellow can receive up to US$6,250 a month, up to US$75,000 for 12 months, set case by case; funded places are limited and extremely competitive.
- Alternatively, apply on external funding (e.g. a paid sabbatical).
- Shared office space and Harvard library access; visa paperwork sponsored for eligible international fellows.
- Stipends may be taxable; open-call fellowships are non-employee roles.
Eligibility
- Academics: full-time faculty (assistant to full professor, or the equivalent abroad), or postdocs holding a doctoral or other terminal degree by the start date.
- Practitioners whose careers are in industry, government or civil society; no degree is stated.
- Applicants should have experience in the kind of work they propose.
- Students are not eligible.
- No nationality limit; if you are based in the US without citizenship or a green card, your immigration status must allow you to receive a stipend.
- Residence in Cambridge for most of the term is strongly encouraged; non-resident fellowships are considered case by case.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
“Students are not eligible for fellowships through this year’s open call for applications.” Eligibility
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Application process
- 1Choose an appointment period (last call: January–August 2026, up to eight months, or September 2026–August 2027) and a stipend pathway.
- 2Prepare a CV, a 1–2 page cover letter, a 2–3 page project proposal and one PDF of 1–3 work samples.
- 3Name two professional references; finalists’ references may be contacted.
- 4Submit through the Center’s Application Tracker by the deadline (last: 5 December 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET); materials cannot be changed afterwards.
Program timeline
Application deadline (2026 and 2026–27 call; closed)
Dec 5, 2025
Short-term fellowships (up to eight months)
Jan–Aug 2026
Academic-year fellowship
Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027
Next call
not yet announced; recent calls closed between December and April