Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy 2027 to 2028

Applications are now open for the Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy 2027 to 2028 at Harvard University. The fellowship is hosted by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School and is designed for scholars who use historical research to understand strategic studies, international affairs and major policy challenges.

The fellowship honors Ernest May, the late Charles Warren Professor of American History and an important contributor to the development of applied history. Fellows are housed within the Applied History Project and the International Security Program, where they have access to most Harvard University libraries and facilities and benefit from an intellectually collaborative research environment.

The programme is particularly suited to History PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. However, scholars from other academic disciplines may also be considered when their research has a strong historical focus. The fellowship provides dedicated time for advanced research, collaboration and the production of a significant publication such as a book, monograph or other major scholarly work.

About the Fellowship

The Ernest May Fellowship is sponsored through the Applied History Project in collaboration with the Stanton Foundation. Its central objective is to build the next generation of scholars capable of bringing professional historical analysis to strategic studies and major issues in international affairs.

Fellows are expected to devote part of their time to collaborative activities arranged by the project director. These activities can include seminars and discussions where fellows receive feedback on works in progress from faculty and peers.

Fellows are also expected to complete a book, monograph or another significant publication during their period of residence. Fredrik Logevall, Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, and Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Professor of U.S. Asia Relations, serve as points of contact and mentors for the fellowship.

The fellowship is non deferrable, meaning selected fellows are expected to undertake the fellowship during the designated academic year.

Fellowship Benefits

• Annual stipend of US$65,000 for postdoctoral or advanced research fellows

• Annual stipend of US$55,000 for predoctoral fellows

• Benefits eligible status for postdoctoral fellows who received their PhD within the previous five years

• Full or partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums for predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows who received their PhD more than five years ago

• Access to most Harvard University libraries and facilities

• Research environment within the Applied History Project and International Security Program

• Mentorship and academic engagement with Harvard faculty

• Opportunities to participate in collaborative research activities and seminars

• Dedicated time to develop a book, monograph or significant scholarly publication

Research Areas

The fellowship is particularly relevant to research connecting history with contemporary strategic and international affairs questions. Potential areas may include:

• Applied history

• International affairs

• Strategic studies

• International security

• Political history

• Diplomatic history

• History and public policy

• Historical approaches to contemporary global challenges

Scholars working outside History may also be considered when their projects demonstrate a strong historical focus.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to History PhD students and PhD recipients

• Preference is given to History PhD students and postdoctoral researchers

• Scholars from other disciplines may apply when their research project has a strong historical focus

• Postdoctoral or advanced research applicants should have a research project appropriate for the fellowship

• Applicants should be prepared to undertake the fellowship for one academic year

• Fellows are expected to participate in collaborative activities arranged by the project director

• Fellows are expected to complete a book, monograph or other significant publication during their fellowship

• Postdoctoral fellows who received their PhD within the previous five years are eligible for benefits

• Predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows who received their PhD more than five years ago may receive full or partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums

Required Application Materials

• CV or resume

• Unofficial academic transcript for predoctoral applicants

• Research statement of 3 to 5 pages

• One writing sample of fewer than 50 pages

• Writing sample must be written independently by the applicant

• Writing sample must be submitted in English

• Writing sample may be a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, white paper or another substantial piece of scholarly work

• Co authored writing samples are not accepted

• Contact information for three recommenders

• Recommendation letters submitted by the recommenders by December 15, 2026

Selection Considerations

Applicants should demonstrate a strong research project with clear relevance to history and policy, strategic studies or international affairs. The quality and significance of the proposed research, the applicant's scholarly background and the potential to produce a substantial publication are important considerations.

A strong application should clearly explain the research question, its historical significance and how the proposed work contributes to broader understanding of strategic or international affairs issues.

The writing sample is also important because it demonstrates the applicant's independent research and English language writing ability. Applicants should therefore select a substantial piece that reflects their strongest scholarly work.

Important Dates

• Application period opens October 1, 2026

• Application deadline December 1, 2026

• Recommendation letters deadline December 15, 2026

• Applicant notification February 15, 2027

• Fellowship period 2027 to 2028 academic year

How to Apply

1. Review the Ernest May Fellowship requirements carefully and confirm that your academic background and research project fit the fellowship.
2. Prepare an updated CV or resume highlighting your academic training, research experience and publications.
3. Prepare a 3 to 5 page research statement explaining your proposed research and its relevance to history, policy, strategic studies or international affairs.
4. Select an independent English language writing sample of fewer than 50 pages. Co authored work is not accepted.
5. Predoctoral applicants should obtain an unofficial academic transcript.
6. Identify three recommenders and provide their contact information through the application system.
7. Submit the fellowship application through the official Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center application portal by December 1, 2026.
8. Ensure that your recommenders submit their letters by December 15, 2026.
9. Monitor your application after submission and await notification, which is expected by February 15, 2027.

The Ernest May Fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging historians and historically focused researchers to conduct advanced work within Harvard's Belfer Center while connecting historical scholarship with contemporary strategic and international affairs questions. With substantial stipends, access to Harvard research facilities, faculty mentorship and dedicated time for major scholarly work, the fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to strengthen the policy relevance and academic impact of their historical research.