The Harvard University Berkman Klein Center Fellowship Program is a competitive, research-focused fellowship hosted by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. It is designed for scholars, researchers, and practitioners working at the intersection of technology, law, ethics, public policy, and related fields who want to pursue independent research that contributes to public understanding and policy on critical issues such as artificial intelligence, internet governance, and digital systems.
Fellowship Benefits
Recipients of the Berkman Klein Center Fellowship typically receive the following support:
• A monthly stipend of up to USD 6,250, totaling up to USD 75,000 for a 12-month appointment, depending on funding pathway and eligibility.
• The opportunity to conduct independent research at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Access to Harvard’s libraries, research facilities, digital archives, and other academic resources.
• Shared office or workspace at the Berkman Klein Center for fellows who are in residence.
• Engagement with a global network of scholars, policymakers, technologists, and civil society leaders.
• Opportunities to publish public scholarship, policy briefs, open-source tools, and academic research outputs.
• Permission to audit Harvard University courses with instructor approval.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, including international candidates. Selected fellows may be eligible for visa sponsorship through Harvard University, subject to eligibility requirements.
Applicants typically include:
• Established scholars and academic researchers.
• Postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates.
• Experienced practitioners from industry, government, civil society, or related sectors with a demonstrated record of work relevant to the Center’s research priorities.
Research Focus Areas
The Berkman Klein Center welcomes projects aligned with the Center’s thematic priorities, including but not limited to:
• Artificial intelligence governance and ethics.
• AI policy and regulation.
• Language model interpretability.
• AI and human experience.
• Technology and the law.
• Internet governance and public policy.
Application Process & Timing
Applications are submitted online through the Berkman Klein Center’s official application portal. The typical application requirements include:
• A current curriculum vitae (CV).
• A cover letter detailing background, motivation, and fit with the Center’s mission.
• A project proposal outlining the research idea, methodology, and public impact goals.
• Work samples demonstrating research capability or relevant outputs.
• Contact information for professional references.
Specific opening and closing dates vary by year and are provided on the official Berkman Klein Center website when the application cycle is active.
Commitment After Completion
Fellows are expected to commit significant time to their research and community engagement during the fellowship period. If in residence, fellows will typically work from the Berkman Klein Center offices on the Harvard Law School campus and participate in workshops, seminars, and collaborative events that support the Center’s research community.
Why You Should Apply
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship offers a prestigious platform for independent research in technology, law, and society within a leading global academic environment. It supports interdisciplinary work, provides substantial financial and institutional resources, and fosters connections with influential scholars and policy leaders worldwide.
