The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is inviting applications for its highly esteemed Fellowship Program for the 2026 and 2026–2027 academic years. This fellowship is designed for individuals who are deeply engaged with critical questions related to the digital world, artificial intelligence, policy, society, and the evolving role of technology in shaping human experiences. The program brings together a diverse community of scholars, technologists, activists, artists, legal professionals, policy practitioners, and interdisciplinary researchers who share a commitment to advancing knowledge in the public interest.
Program Vision
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship supports innovative thinkers who are able to approach technological challenges from multiple angles. The Center values applicants who can bridge technical and non-technical domains, engage across disciplines, and introduce fresh perspectives that enrich collective understanding. Fellows are encouraged to propose projects that explore the societal impacts of technology, illuminate complex digital ecosystems, and advance equitable and responsible governance of emerging technologies.
The fellowship offers two appointment cycles:
- January to August 2026, lasting up to eight months;
- September 2026 to August 2027, offering a full academic year of engagement.
While fellows are encouraged to be in residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts for at least a significant portion of their fellowship, flexible arrangements may be considered depending on project needs and individual circumstances.
Funding and Academic Resources
Fully funded fellows may receive a stipend of up to USD 75,000 for a 12-month appointment, with prorated support for shorter terms. The fellowship also provides access to exceptional resources that make Harvard an ideal environment for intellectual and applied research. These include:
- Shared office space within the Berkman Klein Center
- Access to Harvard’s extensive library system, digital databases, and research tools
- Opportunities to attend or audit courses across various Harvard schools
- Potential teaching opportunities, where appropriate
- Direct engagement with workshops, seminars, reading groups, and peer-learning activities
- Integration into a vibrant interdisciplinary network committed to high-impact work
Fellows are given the freedom to choose diverse research formats, including prototypes, policy analyses, academic publications, creative works, open-source platforms, workshops, datasets, frameworks, and more.
Ideal Candidates
The fellowship is open to individuals at various career stages including early-career scholars, experienced professionals, and established researchers. Ideal candidates typically:
- Demonstrate strong expertise in fields related to the digital environment, such as AI, law, policy, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts
- Exhibit an interdisciplinary mindset capable of linking technology with social, cultural, economic, or political insights
- Articulate a compelling, independent research agenda that aligns with the Center’s mission
- Show enthusiasm for collaboration within a dynamic, intellectually diverse community
- Possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to shared activities, events, and discussions
Technical applicants such as computer scientists or AI researchers should show strong proficiency in relevant tools or methods, while non-technical applicants should demonstrate substantive experience in their respective fields. International applicants are welcome, and visa support is available for eligible fellows.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package including:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic, professional, and research accomplishments.
- Cover Letter (1–2 pages) describing motivations, intended contributions, and overall alignment with the fellowship.
- Project Proposal (2–3 pages) detailing research goals, methodologies, intended audience, and expected impact.
- Work Samples (1–3 items) that demonstrate skill and relevance to the proposed project.
- Two Professional References, including contact information and relationship to the applicant.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants may choose one or both fellowship periods based on preference and availability.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Berkman Klein Center offers an unparalleled platform for advancing thoughtful, forward-looking research that addresses the evolving challenges of the digital age. Fellows join a world-renowned community dedicated to understanding how technology shapes society and how society can shape technology for the better. This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to influence global conversations around technology, ethics, policy, and public interest innovation.
APPLY HERE: https://cyber.harvard.edu/apply/jobs/47
