The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program is a prestigious postdoctoral initiative designed to support talented scholars committed to advancing research and leadership in environmental studies. Administered by the Harvard University Center for the Environment, the fellowship provides a unique opportunity for emerging researchers to collaborate with world-class faculty and contribute innovative ideas to address global environmental challenges.
Each year, the program welcomes a select group of outstanding individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. Fellows spend two years at Harvard University conducting independent research, teaching, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration. The program encourages creative thinking, cross-disciplinary connections, and the integration of environmental perspectives into a wide range of fields including science, policy, economics, health, and design.
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
The fellowship offers a competitive annual salary of approximately $90,000, along with full employee health benefits. Fellows also receive a $2,500 relocation allowance and a $2,500 annual travel and professional development fund to support research activities, conferences, and fieldwork.
Typically, up to five fellows are selected each year. Beyond financial support, the program provides structured opportunities for professional growth and community building. The Harvard Center for the Environment organizes seminars, workshops, and regular dinners that allow fellows to share ideas, build networks, and engage with faculty and peers across different schools of the university.
This collaborative environment fosters not only academic excellence but also the personal and professional development of each fellow. Participants are encouraged to pursue ambitious projects that contribute meaningful solutions to pressing environmental issues worldwide.
Eligibility and Requirements
The fellowship is open to scholars who have earned their doctoral degree between May 2022 and August 2026. Candidates from any academic discipline or institution around the world are eligible to apply, and the program welcomes applicants who demonstrate exceptional creativity, academic achievement, and a commitment to environmental research.
Each applicant must secure a commitment from a Harvard faculty member who agrees to serve as a mentor throughout the fellowship. The mentor provides office or laboratory space and guides the fellow’s academic development. Applicants are expected to establish new scholarly connections within the Harvard community rather than continue working with their previous supervisors or research groups.
All fellows are required to reside in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area for the duration of the program. While short periods of fieldwork or travel are permitted, fellows are expected to remain active participants in Harvard’s academic community throughout the two-year appointment.
Application Process
Applicants must submit an online application that includes a detailed curriculum vitae, a five-page research proposal outlining the goals and significance of the proposed project, and up to three examples of published or written work. Three letters of recommendation are required, including one from the doctoral advisor. In addition, the application must include a formal letter of commitment from the Harvard faculty member who has agreed to serve as the mentor.
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on the originality of their proposed research, their academic record, and the potential for collaboration with Harvard faculty. Successful candidates are those who demonstrate a strong capacity for interdisciplinary engagement and a clear vision for advancing environmental knowledge and solutions.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are due by December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
A Fellowship for Global Impact
The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program stands as one of the most distinguished opportunities for early-career scholars in environmental research. It not only provides the resources and freedom to pursue independent work but also connects fellows to a vibrant community of scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders.
By combining rigorous research with real-world relevance, the program aims to nurture the next generation of environmental innovators who will shape sustainable futures across the globe. Fellows emerge from the program well-positioned to lead in academia, public policy, and international organizations, carrying forward Harvard’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.
