Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2026 – Fully-Funded Research Residency at Harvard University

Leadership
USA
September 21, 2026
Leadership
Urgent
Application ends: October 28, 2026
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Job Description

Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2026 – Fully-Funded Research Residency at Harvard University

Introduction:

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University has launched its inaugural Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program, inviting researchers worldwide to spend one semester or a full academic year in residence at Harvard, working on policy-relevant research about urban problem-solving and city leadership. Selected applicants are appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars, receive housing near Harvard, and financial support to focus on their research full-time.

About the Program:

This is the first cohort of the program, aiming to build a lasting community of scholars whose work informs the practice of city leadership and urban governance. Scholars are given protected time to advance their own research project while engaging with the Center’s academic community. Priority research areas include:

  • Mayoral leadership and management strategies
  • Conditions that enable high-performing staff and teams
  • Organizational capabilities for innovation
  • Evidence-based policy solutions and delivery capacity
  • Use of data and artificial intelligence in decision-making
  • Effective cross-sector collaboration approaches

Program Details:

  • Duration: One semester or a full academic year
  • Housing: Provided near Harvard University
  • Funding: Financial assistance available (may support course buyout or similar arrangements to free up time for research)
  • Visa sponsorship: Available for selected scholars, subject to institutional policy

Expected contributions during residency:

  • Host one research seminar per semester
  • Convene a student study group (twice monthly, plus monthly office hours)
  • Organize one public event (talk or panel) for the Harvard community

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal research degree)
  • Hold a current faculty or research appointment at a degree-granting university or recognized research institution at the time of application
  • Research must align with the Center’s mission on urban problem-solving and city leadership

Application Requirements:

A research proposal that clearly explains:

  • The urban problem or city leadership challenge addressed
  • Research question(s) and underlying theory
  • Research design and methodology
  • Significance for scholarship and practice
  • Expected outputs and potential impact

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview with the selection committee.

Selection Criteria:

  • Clarity and significance of the research problem
  • Strength of research design
  • Potential contribution to scholarship and practice
  • Alignment with the Center’s mission and thematic priorities

Timeline:

  • Applications open: September 16
  • Application deadline: October 28
  • Notification of selection: February

How to Apply:

🔗 Apply via the official application form
🔗 Official Program Page

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