What is the application deadline?
Applications are due on April 30, 2024. Complete applications, including letters of recommendation, must be received by the application deadline.
How can I identify a Harvard faculty mentor?
We recommend that candidates start with our list of CAS Faculty Affiliates to identify a potential research mentor. Prospective fellows may reach out to faculty by e-mail to inquire about their availability to serve as a faculty mentor. We advise including a copy of your research proposal and CV with your request as well as a summary of how you see your research project aligning with the work of the Harvard faculty mentor. Candidates may also visit websites for specific Harvard University departments or schools to find faculty members in their research field. Unfortunately, due to a high volume of inquiries, we are unable to provide individualized assistance in identifying a Harvard faculty mentor.
Is my university or institution eligible?
All universities in Africa are eligible to participate in the fellowship program beginning this year. If you are unsure as to whether you research institution qualifies, please contact Rosaline Salifu at: rosaline_salifu@fas.harvard
How are applicants selected? How many fellowships will be awarded?
After the application deadline, all applications are given administrative review to verify the applications are complete. Incomplete applications will not move forward for review. Applications are then shared with a faculty review committee comprised of members of the CAS Faculty Executive Committee, who will shortlist up to five candidates. Faculty will make their selections based on the academic merits and feasibility of the candidate’s research proposal, the candidate’s perceived ability to excel in academic career, and the strength of the faculty mentors’ recommendations. Shortlisted candidates will be offered a one-hour interview with the CAS Oppenheimer Faculty Director, Executive Director, and at least one member of the faculty review committee. Up to three fellowships will be awarded each year.
What is the timeline for the fellowship? When should the residency begin?
Fellowships should begin on September 1 in the year of the application deadline (applications submitted in 2022 should propose a start date of September 1, 2022). The residency may occur within any consecutive six-month period following the September 1 start date and should be agreed upon by your faculty mentors at Harvard and at your home institution. Note for planning purposes that the Fall term at Harvard takes place from early September through early December and the Spring term from late January through early May.
Are fellowship funds paid by Harvard University directly or through the home institutions of the fellows?
Harvard University will pay fellows a stipend during their residency. From this stipend, fellows are expected to pay for housing, health insurance, food, transportation, books and supplies and other expenses. Payments will be made in fellows name ONLY for the six months in residence in Cambridge.
Are Research Funds paid directly to the Fellow or to the University?
Research funds are managed by the home institutions of fellows. Upon receipt of the fellowship, a Research Agreement that governs the scope of work, expenditure and a payment plan, as well as fund disbursements will be sent to the fellow’s institution for approval. Fellows can then draw on the funds for the sole purposes of their research work and purchases during their fellowship. Funds cannot be reassigned, and only costs directly related to the fellow’s research expenses will be reimbursed.
Do I need to receive ethical clearance from my institution or Harvard University to begin my field work?
You will need both. Ethical clearance should be sought for all your research work in which human or animal subjects are involved prior to commencement of your study in the field. You will need to be familiar with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and approval processes as it relates to your work from your school as well as Harvard University.