The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society (BKC) at Harvard University has officially opened applications for its Berkman Klein Fellowship Program 2026 and 2026-2027 academic cycle — a golden opportunity for international scholars, researchers, and practitioners shaping the future of artificial intelligence, technology governance, and digital ethics.
This global call invites visionary candidates to lead independent research projects aligned with BKC’s interdisciplinary agenda—focusing on AI governance, agentic systems, interpretability, and the intersection of technology with human experience. Selected fellows will become part of Harvard’s vibrant intellectual community, contributing groundbreaking research that influences both academia and policy worldwide.
About the Berkman Klein Fellowship
Since its founding in 1996, BKC has redefined the concept of academic fellowship by emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact over conventional academic credentials. Fellows come from diverse fields—technology, law, policy, social sciences, humanities, and the arts—united by a mission to make AI development ethical, open, and inclusive.
Research Priorities for 2026 Cycle
For the 2026 fellowship cycle, the Berkman Klein Center (BKC) will focus on five key areas of research that explore how artificial intelligence shapes our world. The first is Agentic AI, which studies how autonomous AI systems act independently and what that means for governance and accountability.
The second area, Language Model Interpretability, aims to make large language models (LLMs) more transparent and understandable, ensuring they can be safely and responsibly used. The third priority, Beyond Intelligence Benchmarks, challenges traditional ways of measuring AI performance by developing broader evaluation methods that consider social awareness, creativity, and other human-like qualities.
The fourth focus, AI and the Human Experience, examines how AI is transforming human creativity, relationships, and even emotional development. Lastly, Bridging the AI Triad seeks to create meaningful dialogue among three different perspectives in the AI field—those who see AI as revolutionary, those who focus on its risks, and those who believe its impact is more gradual—to promote balanced and informed progress.
Who Can Apply for Berkman Klein Fellowship?
BKC welcomes both established and emerging scholars as well as industry, government, and civil society practitioners who demonstrate a strong record of contribution in public interest technology and AI.
Applicants may come from backgrounds in computer science, law, social science, philosophy, or interdisciplinary research, with proven ability to lead projects that bridge technical and humanistic inquiry.
- Technical applicants are encouraged to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent expertise in AI/ML with proficiency in frameworks like PyTorch or JAX.
- Research engineers should have experience with open-source AI tools, model infrastructure, or HPC orchestration systems.
- Practitioners from policy, governance, or civic tech sectors are equally encouraged to apply.
Coverage of Berkman Klein Fellowship
Imagine being paid to innovate at Harvard—the world’s most prestigious university. Successful fellows of the Berkman Klein Center Fellowship don’t just gain recognition; they’re rewarded with a generous stipend of up to $6,250 per month—totaling $75,000 a year to fully dedicate themselves to groundbreaking research. But the benefits go far beyond funding.
Fellows gain exclusive access to Harvard’s vast libraries, advanced labs, and cross-departmental research networks, giving them the tools to turn bold ideas into global impact. They’ll also enjoy a professional office space at Harvard Law School, with the opportunity to teach or audit elite Harvard courses. For international scholars, the program ensures a smooth journey with visa sponsorship provided through the Harvard International Office (HIO)—opening doors to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the heart of academic innovation.
Application Deadline
The Berkman Klein Center (BKC) Fellowship at Harvard University offers two flexible appointment options for the upcoming cycle. Applicants can choose the January–August 2026 Fellowship, lasting up to eight (08) months, or the September 2026–August 2027 Fellowship, which spans the full academic year.
Apply: https://cyber.harvard.edu/page/open-call-fellowship-applications-2026-and-2026-2027.
Fellows are strongly encouraged to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to fully engage with Harvard’s vibrant research environment, though non-residential fellowships may be approved in special cases.
All applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.