Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship

Call for Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship Applications 

Pre- and Post-Doctoral Fellows: applicants are sought for pre-doctoral candidates and recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.  

Introduction to ETSAGP 

The Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship is hosted by the Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy (ETSAGP). ETSAGP, under the leadership of Belfer Center Director Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan and Program Director Dr. J. Michael McQuade, conducts scholarship, builds communities of practice, and trains leaders for an era in which scientific advancement and emerging technologies are ever more crucial drivers of global policy, governance, and geopolitics. Following on the legacy of former Secretary of Defense and Belfer Center Director Ashton B. Carter, the program devotes equal effort to the advancement of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary scholarship and convening, and the training and support of students and young leaders. Our goal is to ensure that society harnesses the immense benefits of emerging technologies like AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing, while proactively addressing their risks. We serve as a bridge between science, technology, innovation, and policy—equipping leaders with rigorous, interdisciplinary research findings and actionable policy recommendations. Our strategic focus is on anticipating global challenges, shaping policy debates, and promoting responsible governance so that emerging technologies advance security, prosperity, and the public good worldwide.  

Areas of Fellowship Research

A wide variety of research interests related to the intersection of technology and geopolitics will be considered. Areas of potential interest include, but are not limited to: the role of technology in the U.S.- China and broader geopolitical competition; questions of international collaboration and national competition as it relates to the regulation and protection of technology;  emerging technologies and their implications for governance and democracy; biological threats and national security; artificial intelligence, quantum sciences,and cyber challenges and opportunities;  and the ramifications of the combination of these emerging fields.. Applicants with backgrounds in science and technology, as well as social science, history, international affairs and related fields, are welcome. 

Expectations

Pre and Post-Doctoral Fellows are expected to devote some portion of their time to collaborative endeavors and building relationships with others in the Harvard community working on their topics from the perspective of other disciplines. Pre-doctoral fellows are expected to work on- and ideally finish- their dissertations; others are also expected to complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication during their time at the Center, although other creative and collaborative pursuits may substitute for this requirement if formulated in conjunction with faculty. 

Eligibility 

• Predoctoral fellowship applicants must be currently enrolled in a doctoral program, have passed general examinations prior to appointment, and have made significant progress on their dissertations.
• Post-doctoral fellowship applications are welcome from recipients of the Ph.D. or equivalent degree. In most cases, the degree should have been awarded within the last five years.

Stipend Information

The project will provide a stipend, workspace, and small travel and research grants to each successful applicant. A limited number of fellowships will be available. Pre-doctoral stipends may be up to approximately $70,000; post-doctoral stipends may be up to approximately $80,000. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. Predoctoral fellows will not be benefits-eligible. 

All applicants should indicate clearly whether they are seeking full or partial funding from the project and indicate other potential funding sources. Non-stipend, non-resident appointments may also be offered. 

Length

One Academic Year (10 Months): September 1^{st –} June 30^th  

Application Deadline

The fellowship application period for the 2026–2027 academic year will open on October 1 and close on December 1, 2025.  

Application Requirements

• CV/ Resume
• Unofficial transcript (pre-doctoral fellow applicants only)
• Research statement for pre and postdoctoral fellows (3-5 pages); statement of intent for Senior Fellows and Fellows (1-2 pages)
• Writing sample (less than 50 pages)
  • One published or unpublished piece written by the applicant (co-authored pieces will not be accepted) in English that will demonstrate his/her English-language writing ability
  • This may be a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, white paper, etc. you have produced in your field
• Letters of reference, which should be submitted directly to the Belfer Center on behalf of the applicant:
  • Pre- and post-doctoral Fellows: three letters of reference
  • Senior Fellows and Fellows: one to two letters