Harvard University’s Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 | 5 Application Steps
Harvard University’s Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 is accepting applications from international postdoctoral scholars researching connections between Italy and other world cultures during the Renaissance. The residential fellowship provides USD 5,200 per month for four or six months at Villa I Tatti, Harvard’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence.
What Research Does the Berenson Fellowship Support?
The fellowship supports research examining “Italy in the World” between the 14th and 17th centuries. Proposed projects should investigate transnational exchanges between Italy and regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America or the wider Mediterranean.
Applications are welcomed from scholars working in architecture, art, history, philosophy, literature, music and the history of science. The research must be suitable for completion primarily in Florence and should be capable of producing original scholarly results.
Who Can Apply for the Berenson Fellowship?
Applicants must already hold a PhD when submitting the application. A scan of the doctoral certificate must be uploaded, and candidates pursuing a second PhD are ineligible.
- Scholars from every country may apply.
- Applicants must be conversant in English and familiar with Italian.
- Priority is given to early and mid-career researchers.
- Candidates should not have previously held a term appointment at I Tatti, except as Graduate Fellows.
- A term fellowship at I Tatti can be held only once and cannot be deferred.
Harvard gives special consideration to applicants who do not have regular access to Italian research collections and facilities.
What Financial Benefits Are Provided?
Each Fellow receives USD 5,200 per month and up to USD 1,800 toward relocation expenses. When available, I Tatti may provide a rent-free apartment, although the Fellow remains responsible for utilities. If an apartment is unavailable, a housing subsidy may be offered.
Fellows also receive seven-day access to the Biblioteca Berenson and weekday lunches with other appointees. The grant does not automatically cover visas, Italian residence permits, health insurance or expenses for accompanying family members.
What Are the Residential Conditions?
Successful applicants must live in the Florence area and attend I Tatti at least three days per week. They may choose either a four-month fall term from September to December or a six-month winter-spring term from January to June.
Fellows cannot accept teaching duties, including part-time teaching, or hold another fellowship simultaneously. They must concentrate exclusively on the approved Berenson Fellowship project. Any continuing salary or outside grant must be disclosed and approved.
How Can Scholars Apply?
Applications must be prepared in English or Italian and submitted electronically.
- Review the official Berenson Fellowship conditions.
- Prepare the proposed research project and curriculum vitae.
- Upload a scan of the completed PhD certificate.
- Register two scholars who know your research and can provide recommendations.
- Submit the application through the official Harvard Villa I Tatti application portal.
Applicants may apply for only one type of I Tatti fellowship during the same academic year.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 is November 16, 2026, by midnight in Cambridge, Massachusetts time. The two required recommendation letters must be submitted separately by the referees no later than November 21, 2026.