Arctic Initiative Fellowship

The Arctic Initiative is a joint project of the Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at the Belfer Center and fellows will interact—and collaborate—with fellows from both programs, as well as with faculty, visiting policymakers, and other experts at the Belfer Center and the Harvard Kennedy School.

In the 2026-2027 academic year, we will prioritize policy-focused proposals on:

• Sustainable Ocean Management (climate change impacts; maritime navigation and new shipping routes; human health impacts; marine litter; ocean pollution; ocean acidification; marine biodiversity; natural resource management; international and scientific collaborations; and challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities)
• Climate Change and Permafrost Thaw (policy implications of improved understanding of how pace of permafrost thaw and pace of global climate change interact; regional impacts of permafrost thaw under plausible scenarios; adaptation/resilience measures against regional impacts; communication of findings to key regional and global audiences)
• Resilience in the Far North (infrastructure; transportation; health; food security; community empowerment; governance; culture; connectivity; tourism; shipping; and renewable energy in remote communities – including environmental and economic impacts and exploring ways to increase the resilience of and sustainable development for local Arctic communities and the ecosystems upon which they depend)
• Emerging Arctic Issues (policy-relevant topics related to Arctic policy and governance, including, but not limited to: strategies for advancing the green transition; ensuring a Just Transition; embedding environmental justice in decision-making; frameworks for governing potential climate interventions, as well as other new and evolving challenges or opportunities shaping the Arctic’s future)

Fellowship awards and focus areas are contingent upon funding availability.

Expectations

Arctic Initiative fellows hold in-residence appointments and are expected to be on campus for the majority of their fellowship period. Fellows are expected to pursue research aligned with the priorities of the Arctic Initiative, focusing on the challenges and opportunities arising from the rapid transformation of the Arctic. A particular emphasis is placed on assessing the adequacy of existing governmental and international policies, programs, laws, and regulations in addressing these evolving issues, and exploring how they can be improved.

Fellows are also expected to dedicate time to collaborative projects and build relationships with members of the Arctic Initiative team, the broader Harvard community, and students engaged in Arctic-related work from diverse disciplinary perspectives. Predoctoral fellows should work on their thesis during the fellowship. All fellows are expected to produce a significant publication—such as a peer-reviewed article, policy brief, or other scholarly or policy-relevant work—during their time with the Arctic Initiative. Other creative or collaborative outputs may be pursued in consultation with faculty.

Eligibility

Applicants for predoctoral fellowships should either be accepted into a doctoral program or have completed a master’s degree and possess substantial, relevant research or professional experience that demonstrates their preparation for advanced study in the field. Applications for postdoctoral fellowships are welcome from recipients of a PhD or equivalent degree from a wide variety of institutions. We will also consider applications from university faculty members and employees of government, military, private research institutions, governmental organizations, or the private sector who have relevant experience. Arctic residents and Indigenous candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

Stipend Information

A funded fellowship provides a stipend, office space, and limited travel funding to support attendance at select conferences and workshops. We do not offer funding to support extended field work. A limited number of funded fellowships are available, depending on funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources to supplement support. 

Applications for unfunded or partially funded fellows, visiting scholars, and associates will also be considered for candidates with relevant experience and expertise.

All applicants should specify whether they are requesting full, partial, or no funding from the project and disclose any other potential sources of financial support.

Fellowship Duration: One academic year (10 months)

Key Dates:

• October 1st – Applications Open
• December 1st – Applications Close
• December 15th – Letters of Recommendation Due

Application Requirements:

• CV/ Resume
• Unofficial transcript (predoctoral fellow applicants only)
• Research statement (3–5 pages)
  • All applications should have a clear focus on policy relevance
• Writing sample (less than 50 pages)
  • Should be one published or unpublished piece written by the applicant (co-authored pieces not accepted) in English that will demonstrate his/her English-language writing ability
  • Can be a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, white paper, etc. you have produced in your field
• Contact information for 3 recommenders submitting letters on your behalf