Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026 at Harvard Kennedy School

Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 is officially open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for scholars, predoctoral candidates, junior faculty, and practitioners worldwide to conduct cutting-edge research on the future of the Arctic. Hosted by the Belfer Center’s Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, this prestigious fellowship brings together global experts, policymakers, and researchers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for an intensive academic year of collaboration.

Fellowship Focus Areas

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the program prioritizes policy-driven proposals in four major Arctic research themes:

1. Sustainable Ocean Management – including impacts of climate change on navigation, biodiversity, marine litter, pollution, and Indigenous communities.
2. Climate Change and Permafrost Thaw – exploring resilience strategies, adaptation measures, and communication of global and regional impacts.
3. Resilience in the Far North – addressing infrastructure, health, food security, governance, and renewable energy in remote Arctic communities.
4. Emerging Arctic Issues – from green transition strategies to environmental justice, governance frameworks, and evolving global challenges.

Fellowship Expectations

Fellows will hold in-residence appointments at Harvard, engage in collaborative projects, and contribute significantly to policy-relevant scholarship. Each fellow is expected to produce at least one major publication—such as a peer-reviewed article or policy brief—while also mentoring students and working with Arctic Initiative partners. Predoctoral fellows will focus on advancing their doctoral research.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications for Arctic Initiative Fellowship are open to:

• Predoctoral candidates and recent PhDs.
• Junior faculty members, visiting scholars, and seasoned practitioners.
• Professionals from government, military, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector.
• Arctic residents and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should demonstrate strong research experience and a clear commitment to policy relevance.

Arctic Fellowship Covers the Following Benefits

A limited number of funded fellowships are available, offering:

• A stipend for living expenses.
• Office space at Harvard Kennedy School.
• Travel funding for select conferences and workshops.

Unfunded or partially funded fellowships will also be considered for outstanding applicants with independent support. Whereas the duration of this fellowship is one academic year (10 months), in residence at Harvard Kennedy School.

Application Dates

The last date to apply for the Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026 at Harvard Kennedy School is December 1, 2025, with letters of recommendation due by December 15, 2025. Applications officially open on October 1, 2025, giving candidates a two-month window to prepare and submit their materials. Students, researchers, and professionals interested in shaping Arctic policy and climate solutions are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline to secure consideration for this prestigious fellowship opportunity.

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