Call for Applications: 2026 Joint Belfer-SEAS Technology and Politics Faculty Research Grants
SEAS and the Belfer Center are pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2026 Joint Belfer-SEAS Technology and Politics Research Grants. Full details and application instructions are in the attached PDF, and a summary is below. We look forward to your applications.
Overview
We are seeking proposals from Harvard faculty across the University for research at the intersection of technology and geopolitics. Last year, three research awards were made to Harvard faculty.
We invite proposals that explore:
- How national and international policy decisions shape technologies with geopolitical impact
- How advances in science and engineering require new policy paradigms and influence policy debates and the global political landscape
Projects may focus on technical solutions to policy challenges, advanced technologies and global ramifications of their deployment, analysis of geopolitical issues created or amplified by emerging technology, and offer policy, governance, or partnering recommendations and may involve any field at this intersection. Proposals should include both technology and policy elements. Teams that include both technology PI(s) and policy PI(s) will be given priority.
Funding Amounts
Awards will range from $100,000 to $200,000 in direct costs for one-year projects. Up to three projects will be funded in this cycle.
Eligibility
Harvard faculty with PI rights are eligible to apply.
Schedule
Concept proposals are due February 2 and can be submitted here (you will need to create an account).
Those invited to submit full proposals will be notified by February 6 and asked to submit the full proposals by February 27. We expect to make award announcements in March 2026.
Please direct any questions to rebekah_reed@hks.harvard.edu.
More details can be found here.