The Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE) offers the Environmental Fellows Program, a distinguished two-year postdoctoral fellowship designed to support outstanding scholars committed to tackling urgent environmental challenges. By drawing on Harvard’s extensive resources and interdisciplinary network, fellows are allowed to advance innovative research that extends beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Each fellow works closely with a Harvard faculty mentor from any school or department, ensuring a broad intellectual exchange across fields. Beyond their individual projects, fellows become part of a vibrant academic community through structured activities such as bi-weekly dinners with faculty members and guest speakers. The programme is structured not only to advance groundbreaking research but also to build a strong, collaborative cohort of early-career scholars.
Fellowship Details
The fellowship offers not only generous financial support but also a strong academic and community framework designed to help fellows thrive both professionally and personally. Below are the key details of the programme:
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Duration: The fellowship runs for a period of two years, commencing in September 2026. This extended timeframe allows fellows to fully immerse themselves in their research, professional development, and community activities.
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Stipend & Benefits: Each fellow will receive an annual salary of $90,000, ensuring financial stability throughout the programme. In addition, fellows will be eligible for comprehensive employee health insurance, as well as reimbursement of up to $2,500 to cover relocation costs. To support academic growth, the programme also provides a $2,500 yearly allowance for professional travel and research-related expenses.
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Cohort Size: The fellowship maintains a deliberately small cohort, with approximately five fellows appointed each cycle. This intimate setting fosters stronger connections, personalised mentorship, and meaningful collaboration among peers.
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Community Engagement: Beyond research and academic work, fellows are encouraged to take part in a co-curricular programme that builds lasting networks and shared learning experiences. This includes bi-weekly seminars and dinners, where participants exchange ideas, present their work, and engage with experts and fellow scholars in a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating environment.
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Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the fellowship attracts the most promising scholars, applicants are expected to meet specific academic and professional criteria. These requirements are designed to provide a fair and inclusive process while maintaining the programme’s high standards.
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Degree Timeline: Applicants must have completed their terminal degree (such as a Ph.D.) between May 2022 and August 2026. All dissertations must be formally filed before September 2026 to confirm eligibility.
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Field of Study: The programme is open to scholars from all academic disciplines. Candidates from fields where a Ph.D. is not the standard terminal degree are equally welcome to apply, broadening the fellowship’s scope and inclusivity.
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Research Experience: A proven record of scholarly research is required, demonstrating the applicant’s ability to engage in rigorous academic inquiry and contribute meaningfully to their field.
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Nationality: The fellowship is open to candidates worldwide. However, proficiency in English is essential to ensure full participation in academic discussions, collaborations, and scholarly activities.
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Harvard Affiliates: Current affiliates of Harvard University may also apply, but only if their proposed research represents a substantially new direction and is hosted by a faculty member other than their present adviser. This ensures independence and fosters fresh intellectual contributions.
Selection Criteria
The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program is highly competitive, with each application undergoing a thorough review to identify individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and the potential to make a lasting contribution to global environmental challenges. Candidates will be evaluated on the following criteria:
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Academic Excellence and Future Impact: Reviewers will assess the applicant’s academic achievements to date, alongside their capacity to shape the future of environmental research and policy.
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Innovative Research Proposal: Applicants must present an independent project that extends beyond their doctoral work and the host faculty’s existing research, showing originality and intellectual ambition.
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Relevance and Merit: The proposed research should address pressing environmental issues while demonstrating strong scholarly merit and potential to advance the field.
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Faculty Host’s Role: A clear commitment from the faculty host is crucial, including their ability to mentor, guide, and provide appropriate resources and workspace to support the fellow’s project.
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Cohort Contribution: The programme values diversity of perspectives and seeks candidates who will enrich the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the fellowship community.
Finalists who stand out during the initial review will be invited for an online interview as part of the final selection stage.
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Application Components
To be considered for the Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program 2026, applicants must prepare a complete set of application materials. All documents should be submitted in PDF format by 1 December 2025. Below is a breakdown of the required components:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Applicants must provide an up-to-date CV that highlights academic achievements, research experience, professional history, and publications. The CV should give the selection committee a clear overview of the applicant’s qualifications and readiness for advanced research. -
Research Proposal:
A proposal of no more than five pages (excluding references) must be submitted. This document should outline the applicant’s research objectives, methods, and expected outcomes, while also explaining the motivation for applying to the fellowship. Although the proposal may be discussed with the host faculty, it must be independently developed by the applicant to reflect their own academic initiative. -
Writing Samples:
Up to three publications or relevant written works should be included. These samples serve to demonstrate the applicant’s research capacity, analytical skills, and ability to contribute meaningfully to their chosen field of study. -
Recommendation Letters:
Three letters of recommendation are required, including one from the applicant’s dissertation adviser. Referees will be contacted automatically after submission. To ensure timely processing, all recommendation letters must be submitted no later than 10 December 2025. -
Host Faculty Letter:
Applicants must secure a letter from a Harvard faculty member willing to act as their host. This letter should confirm the faculty member’s commitment to mentoring, providing office space, and endorsing the applicant’s research project. The host must send this letter directly to environmental_fellows@harvard.edu (Attention: Cayla Jett) by 10 December 2025.
Key Dates & Links
Staying on top of the application timeline is crucial for anyone hoping to secure a place in the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026. Below are the important dates, resources, and contacts to guide applicants through the process:
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Application Deadline – 1 December 2025: All application materials must be submitted by this date. Late applications will not be considered.
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Recommendation & Host Letter Deadline – 10 December 2025: Referees and potential host faculty must ensure their letters are received no later than this date. Applicants should make early requests to avoid last-minute delays.
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Application Portal – Harvard Environmental Fellows Application: All applications must be completed and submitted online via the official application portal.
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Further Information – Official Programme Page and FAQ: For comprehensive details on eligibility, programme structure, and benefits, applicants should consult the official Environmental Fellows Programme website and its frequently asked questions section.
In summary, careful attention to deadlines and the use of official resources will greatly improve the chances of a successful application. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, ensuring all documents and recommendations are submitted on time.
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