International Security Program

For predoctoral candidates and recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree

ISP offers predoctoral, postdoctoral, and advanced research non deferrable fellowships for one year, with a possibility for renewal. ISP seeks applications from political scientists, lawyers, economists, those in the natural sciences, and others of diverse disciplinary backgrounds. ISP also encourages applications from women, minorities, and citizens of all countries.

Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs Stephen M. Walt serves as the International Security Program's faculty chair and Dr. Steven E. Miller is the program's director.

In most cases, office space and computers will be provided. Fellows have access to most Harvard University libraries and most of the other facilities of the University.

Expectations

Fellows are expected to devote some portion of their time to collaborative endeavors, as arranged by the appropriate program or project director. Predoctoral research fellows are expected to contribute to the Center's research activities, as well as work on—and ideally complete—their doctoral dissertations. Other/postdoctoral research fellows are expected to complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication during their period of residence. All fellows are expected to be in residence for the duration of their fellowship.

Stipend Information

The International Security Program offers annual stipends of 54,000 USD to postdoctoral research fellows and 44,000 USD to pre­doctoral research fellows. Postdoctoral fellows who have received their Ph.D. within the past five years are benefits-eligible; predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows who received their Ph.D. more than five years ago will receive full or partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums.

Only a limited number of funded fellowships are available: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should indicate clearly whether they are seeking full or partial funding from the International Security Program and indicate other potential funding sources. Nonstipendiary appointments are also offered.

Length

One Academic Year

Application Deadline

The fellowship application period for the 2025–2026 academic year will open Tuesday, October 1, 2024 and close Sunday, December 1, 2024. Recommendation Letters are due December 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified by February 15, 2025.

Application Requirements

  • CV/ Resume
  • Unofficial transcript (pre-doctoral fellow applicants only)
  • Research statement (3–5 pages)
  • 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

Eligibility

Applicants for pre­doctoral fellowships must be in a doctoral program, have passed general examinations prior to appointment, and have made significant progress on their dissertations. Applications for postdoctoral/advanced research fellowships are welcome from recent recipients of the Ph.D. or equivalent degree, university faculty members, and employees of government, military, international, humanitarian, and private research institutions who have appropriate professional experience.

Contact

For questions about the fellowship and application