Nova Fellowship

The Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy is seeking nominations and applications for its inaugural class of Nova Fellows. Experienced technology and scientific innovators will be invited to join us at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs to pursue policy-relevant work aimed at expanding the understanding, use, impact, and governance of emerging technologies on a global stage.  

Working at the frontiers where new science and new technologies are necessitating important dialog and decision making in matters as broad as national security, global governance, diplomacy, and the future of human interactions, the new fellows will join the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, part-time for a portion of the year. 

Collaboration and Mentorship: Participants will interact with students, researchers, and faculty at the Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School, and within the broader Harvard community; activities may include leading student study groups, mentoring, and offering technical expertise to public policy students and young scholars.  

Research and Policy Development: Participants may choose to pursue an independent or collaborative project, for example, developing a paper, primer, policy recommendation, or convening that tackles a critical issue at the confluence of emerging technology and policy.  

Public Engagement: Participants can take advantage of Belfer Center and Harvard Kennedy School events, including lectures, roundtables, and convenings with national and global leaders.  

Network Building: Participants will have regular engagement with the extensive Belfer Center community, alumni, and policy network. 

Each fellow appointment will be part-time, for a term of three to ten months. Participants will be expected to meet the following specific commitments: 

Physical Presence: Participants must be in Cambridge for at least 30% of their program period. While on campus, they are expected to be actively engaged with the ETSAGP program, the Belfer community, and HKS more broadly. 

Policy-Relevant Deliverable: Each participant must produce at least one substantial deliverable aligned to the Fellowship goals. Examples include: a policy paper or research publication, a policy primer, structured policy recommendations, or a convening or workshop. 

Student and Community Engagement: Participants are expected to engage directly with students, faculty, and the Belfer research community while on campus. This may include leading study groups or seminars, mentoring students, supporting PAE projects, participating in Belfer Center and HKS events, and engaging with faculty in structured research formats. Participants will be supported by a dedicated student research assistant to facilitate integration and coordination. 

Compliance: Participants must comply fully with all applicable Harvard policies, including those governing conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, intellectual property, and public disclosure obligations. 

The program is open to technologists, scientists, and engineers, with a preference for senior-level private sector innovators, founders, and researchers who have demonstrated significant impact in their field. Selection will be based on the merit of proposals, impact potential, and commitment to the global policy dialog. 

Fellows will be provided with a workstation, research assistance support, and may be eligible for limited funding to offset travel costs. 

To Apply, please submit the following items in PDF form:

- CV

- Statement of Interest (no more than 500 words)

- Proposed area of focus, including proposed fellowship output (no more than 500 words)

- Brief description of the proposed fellowship timeframe and means of meeting the required commitment and physical presence described above 

- Two professional references

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  

Please submit your application using the subject line “Nova Fellow Application” below.