Harvard Environmental Fellowship Program

The Environmental Fellowship Program at Harvard University, established by the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE), is a prestigious initiative aimed at fostering cutting edge interdisciplinary research to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Designed for recent doctorate recipients, the program provides a platform to expand on their research while leveraging Harvard’s vast resources, diverse academic ecosystem, and globally renowned faculty. Each fellow collaborates with a Harvard faculty member for two years, contributing to a vibrant community of environmental scholars united by a shared mission to address complex ecological and societal issues.

With an annual salary of $90,000, health insurance benefits, and professional development allowances, the fellowship offers not only financial support but also unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth and collaboration. Through its co-curricular programs, such as biweekly dinners and discussions with faculty and guest speakers, the fellowship encourages a sense of community and cross-disciplinary exchange. As HUCE continues to build a legacy of nurturing innovative researchers, the 2025 cohort is poised to add to this tradition with diverse talents and groundbreaking ideas.

Purpose of the Environmental Fellows Program

The Environmental Fellows Program was created to connect promising early career researchers with Harvard’s vast academic resources and to promote collaborative approaches to solving environmental problems. By pairing fellows with mentors from any school or department within Harvard, the program creates unique opportunities for interdisciplinary research that transcends conventional academic boundaries.

The program also emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental challenges through novel approaches, drawing insights from various disciplines, including sciences, public policy, law, design, and the humanities. The goal is not just to advance academic knowledge but to foster solutions that have real-world implications.

The Fellowship Award and Benefits

One of the most attractive aspects of the fellowship is its comprehensive support package, which ensures fellows can focus entirely on their research. Key benefits include:

1. Competitive Salary: A generous $90,000 annual stipend enables fellows to pursue their research without financial concerns.
2. Health Insurance: Fellows are eligible for Harvard’s employee health insurance plans, ensuring their well-being during their tenure.
3. Relocation and Travel Allowances: Up to $2,500 is reimbursed for relocation expenses, and an additional $2,500 annual allowance is provided for professional travel and related expenses.
4. Community Engagement: Through biweekly dinners and interactions with Harvard faculty, fellows engage in enriching dialogues that enhance their research perspectives and build lasting professional networks.

Application Process

The application process for the Environmental Fellows Program is rigorous and requires careful planning. Key steps include:

1. Eligibility Requirements:
   • Applicants must have received their terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) between May 2021 and August 2025.
   • Proposals must represent new, independent lines of inquiry beyond the applicant’s Ph.D. work and their host’s current research.
2. Finding a Host:
   • Establishing a relationship with a Harvard faculty member is a critical step. The host will mentor the fellow and provide administrative and office support.
   • Faculty members hosting fellows in 2024 are ineligible to host additional fellows in 2025.
3. Proposal Submission:
   • A project proposal outlining the research plan and its potential impact on environmental challenges is a central component of the application.
   • Applicants must also include letters of recommendation and a letter of support from their proposed host faculty member.
4. Interview Process:
   • Shortlisted candidates participate in video interviews to discuss their proposals with the selection committee.
5. Click here to apply

Selection Criteria

The selection process evaluates applicants based on several factors:

1. Academic and Professional Excellence: The committee considers prior achievements and the potential for significant intellectual contributions.
2. Relevance of the Proposed Project: Proposals must address environmental issues and extend beyond the applicant’s prior work.
3. Interdisciplinary Potential: While not mandatory, interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged.
4. Host’s Enthusiasm and Support: The host faculty member’s commitment to the project and the candidate plays a significant role in the selection process.

The selection committee aims to create a cohort of approximately a dozen scholars with diverse academic backgrounds and research topics.

Opportunities for Fellows

The Environmental Fellowship Program provides an extraordinary platform for scholars to:

1. Advance Research: Fellows tackle environmental challenges through innovative research supported by Harvard’s world class resources.
2. Collaborate Across Disciplines: The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling fellows to draw insights from various fields.
3. Build Professional Networks: Regular interactions with Harvard faculty and peers help fellows establish connections that can advance their careers.
4. Contribute to Environmental Solutions: The program encourages actionable research with real world implications, bridging the gap between academia and practice.

Why to Apply the Fellows Program?

The Environmental Fellows Program offers a unique combination of intellectual freedom, financial support, and community engagement. It is ideal for scholars eager to expand their research horizons, collaborate with leading academics, and contribute to addressing global environmental challenges. With its emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, the program also offers a rare opportunity to explore novel ideas and methodologies that transcend traditional academic silos.

The Environmental Fellows Program at Harvard is more than just a fellowship it is a transformative journey that empowers scholars to make meaningful contributions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. By leveraging Harvard’s unparalleled resources and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the program enables fellows to push the boundaries of environmental research.

For recent doctorate recipients passionate about driving change, the fellowship represents an invaluable opportunity to refine their expertise, expand their professional networks, and develop solutions with tangible global impact. As the 2025 application window approaches its close on January 13, 2025, prospective candidates are encouraged to seize this chance to join a community of innovative thinkers dedicated to shaping a sustainable future. For more information, visit HUCE’s website.

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