The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 fellowship programmes. The fellowships provide academic and professional opportunities for researchers, scholars, practitioners, technologists, doctoral candidates, and policy professionals working on major issues in science, technology, international affairs, security, energy, climate, and public policy. Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year close on December 1, 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by December 15, 2026. About the Belfer Center Fellowships The Belfer Center brings together researchers and practitioners working on some of the world’s most important security, technological, environmental, and international policy challenges. Fellows become part of a cohort and receive opportunities to engage with Harvard faculty members, researchers, and other affiliated experts. The fellowship programmes differ considerably in their eligibility requirements, research themes, career stages, and geographic or professional focus. Applicants should therefore carefully review the individual fellowship they intend to pursue before applying. Available Fellowship Programmes The 2027–2028 fellowship opportunities include several specialised programmes: Recanati-Kaplan Foundation FellowshipThis programme supports intelligence officers from the United States and other countries who are moving into or already serving in leadership positions within their organisations. Fellows undertake a full academic year of study at Harvard. Nova FellowshipThe Nova Fellowship targets senior-level technologists, scientists, engineers, founders, innovators, and researchers working in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, space, and other emerging technologies. The fellowship focuses on policy-relevant research concerning the development, governance, and global impact of emerging technologies. Technology and Geopolitics FellowshipThis opportunity is designed for current doctoral students in the dissertation-writing stage and recent PhD or equivalent degree recipients. Research focuses on the relationship between scientific advancement, emerging technologies, global policy, governance, and geopolitics. Managing the Atom FellowshipThe programme supports predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars, university faculty members, and mid-career professionals. Research may address nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear weapons strategy, arms control, disarmament, verification, nuclear energy, regional conflict, and nuclear security. International Security Program FellowshipThis fellowship supports predoctoral candidates and recent PhD or equivalent degree recipients conducting research in international security and related security studies. Geopolitics of Energy FellowshipThe programme focuses on research examining the intersection of international politics, security, and energy and is open to predoctoral candidates and recent PhD or equivalent degree recipients. Energy, Climate, and Technology Policy FellowshipFellows contribute to research on energy policy, climate policy, climate finance, and energy technology innovation. Eligible applicants include predoctoral candidates, recent PhD recipients, visiting scholars, and junior faculty-level researchers. Emirates Leadership Initiative Research FellowshipThis ten-month fellowship provides a stipend and access to Harvard resources for junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars conducting independent research relevant to the UAE, Gulf region, and broader Arab world. Kuwait Program Research FellowshipThis ten-month fellowship supports junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars and faculty researching critical public policy issues relevant to Kuwait and the Gulf region. Applicants must have an appropriate connection to Kuwait through nationality, residence, employment, or institutional affiliation. Israel Program Research FellowshipThis programme provides short-term research residencies for mid-career and senior scholars and practitioners with established contributions to research and public discourse concerning Israel and related regional issues. Kuwait Program Visiting Scholar FellowshipSenior policy-oriented scholars and faculty from Kuwait can undertake a one-semester or one-academic-year residency to conduct a study group or independent research project concerning Kuwait and the Gulf region. Belfer Young Leaders Student FellowshipThis programme is intended for eligible two-year MPP and MPA students at Harvard Kennedy School. It develops analytical, innovative, and leadership capabilities relevant to global affairs. Arctic Initiative FellowshipThe fellowship welcomes predoctoral candidates, recent PhD recipients, visiting scholars, experienced practitioners, and junior faculty researchers working on the rapidly changing Arctic and related policy, legal, governmental, and international challenges. Ernest May Fellowship in History and PolicyThis fellowship supports history predoctoral candidates and PhD recipients interested in applying professional historical research to strategic studies and major international affairs issues. Eligibility Eligibility varies significantly across programmes. Depending on the fellowship, applicants may include doctoral candidates, recent PhD graduates, university faculty, junior or mid-career scholars, senior practitioners, technologists, scientists, engineers, intelligence professionals, or Harvard Kennedy School students. Because each programme has distinct requirements, applicants should consult the specific fellowship description for academic qualifications, professional experience, geographic connections, research focus, and other criteria. Benefits and Fellowship Experience Belfer Center fellows benefit from an academic and professional research environment at Harvard Kennedy School. Depending on the programme, benefits may include stipend support, access to Harvard libraries and research resources, interaction with faculty and experts, research opportunities, and participation in a cohort of fellows working across science and international affairs. Specific funding arrangements and fellowship duration differ by programme. How to Apply Interested applicants should identify the Belfer Center fellowship that best corresponds with their academic background, professional experience, and proposed research. They should then review the programme-specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. The general application deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year is December 1, 2026. Recommendation letters are due by December 15, 2026. Applications should be submitted through the official Belfer Center fellowship application system. Why These Fellowships Are Valuable The Belfer Center fellowships provide opportunities to conduct policy-relevant research within a major academic and international affairs environment. The programmes cover fields including international security, nuclear policy, emerging technology, artificial intelligence, energy, climate, geopolitics, the Arctic, Middle Eastern policy, intelligence, and history. For researchers and professionals whose work intersects with public policy and international affairs, the fellowship experience can provide access to research resources, expert networks, and a multidisciplinary community. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should carefully match their proposed research with the objectives of the selected fellowship. A strong application should clearly communicate the research question, its policy relevance, the applicant’s expertise, and how the proposed work fits the programme’s thematic priorities. Applicants should also ensure that all academic and professional information is accurate, prepare recommendation requests well before the deadline, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the fellowship’s research environment. Deadline and Official Application Application deadline: December 1, 2026Recommendation letter deadline: December 15, 2026Academic year: 2027–2028Location: Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAInstitution: Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Applicants should verify the latest fellowship-specific requirements, funding provisions, eligibility criteria, and application instructions directly with the Belfer Center before submitting an application. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.