The overarching question imparting urgency to this exploration is: Can U.S.-Russian contention in cyberspace cause the two nuclear superpowers to stumble into war? In considering this question we were constantly reminded of recent comments by a prominent U.S. arms control expert: At least as dangerous as the risk of an actual cyberattack, he observed, is cyber operations’ “blurring of the line between peace and war.” Or, as Nye wrote, “in the cyber realm, the difference between a weapon and a non-weapon may come down to a single line of code, or simply the intent of a computer program’s user.”
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs supports and collaborates with several student and professional organizations at the school on career development and policy-relevant events. The Center has proudly partnered with Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D), the Black Student Union, the Armed Forces Committee, the Women in Power Conference, and the Future Society to host seminars and conferences at HKS. We welcome opportunities to forge partnerships between students and the Center.
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U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, 8th Congressional District of Michigan, speaks to students about her career in national service spanning roles at the CIA, in the White House, at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, at the Pentagon, and currently in Congress. Caitlin Keliher moderated the event.
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Former Belfer IGA Fellows are welcomed to the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs by Directors Ash Carter, Director and Eric Rosenbach
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Members of the Belfer Center’s Economic Diplomacy Initiative gather after hosting “Digital Currency Wars,” a simulation of a live White House National Security Council meeting in response to a major security crisis.
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Samantha Power the Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy meets with Belfer IGA Fellows.
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Leaders of W3D meet with Juliette Kayyem, Director of the Homeland Security Project and Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security
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A breakfast celebrating the 10th cohort of IGA concentrators as well as the announcement of the PAE awards.
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New admitted students attend an informational meet-and-greet hosted by the Belfer Center.
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Bonnie Jenkins, Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, U.S. Department of State, speaks on her career during a Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D) seminar.
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Susan M. Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, speaks on the challenges of intelligence in a rapidly-changing world during a Belfer Center Director’s seminar moderated by Eric Rosenbach, Co-Director of the Belfer Center.
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Wendy Sherman, Belfer Center Senior Fellow and former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, speaks about her career path from social work to the State Department as part of a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session hosted by W3D and moderated by Co-Chairs Alexandra Schmitt and Gabrielle Tarini MPP19.
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Loretta Lynch, former Attorney General of the United States, speaks on the issues she faced during her time as the U.S. Attorney General during a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session co-hosted with the Black Student Union and moderated by Demarquin Johnson joint MPP/JD at Harvard.
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Belfer Center Senior Fellow Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, discusses her experiences and the challenges around increasing the number of women in national security leadership positions at the first Women in Power Conference. Alexandra Schmitt MPP19, Co-Chair of W3D served as moderator.
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Susan Rice, former National Security Advisor to President Obama, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, and Belfer Center non-resident Senior Fellow, gives students and fellows career advice during a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session co-hosted with the Black Student Union and W3D.
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W3D and the Future of Diplomacy Project host Dr. Aminata Touré, the first female Prime Minister of Senegal, to converse with students about gender, foreign affairs, and leadership.
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The Belfer Center hosts an Open House for HKS students
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U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, 8th Congressional District of Michigan, speaks to students about her career in national service spanning roles at the CIA, in the White House, at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, at the Pentagon, and currently in Congress. Caitlin Keliher moderated the event.
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Former Belfer IGA Fellows are welcomed to the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs by Directors Ash Carter, Director and Eric Rosenbach
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Members of the Belfer Center’s Economic Diplomacy Initiative gather after hosting “Digital Currency Wars,” a simulation of a live White House National Security Council meeting in response to a major security crisis.
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Samantha Power the Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy meets with Belfer IGA Fellows.
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Leaders of W3D meet with Juliette Kayyem, Director of the Homeland Security Project and Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security
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A breakfast celebrating the 10th cohort of IGA concentrators as well as the announcement of the PAE awards.
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New admitted students attend an informational meet-and-greet hosted by the Belfer Center.
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Bonnie Jenkins, Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, U.S. Department of State, speaks on her career during a Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D) seminar.
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Susan M. Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, speaks on the challenges of intelligence in a rapidly-changing world during a Belfer Center Director’s seminar moderated by Eric Rosenbach, Co-Director of the Belfer Center.
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Wendy Sherman, Belfer Center Senior Fellow and former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, speaks about her career path from social work to the State Department as part of a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session hosted by W3D and moderated by Co-Chairs Alexandra Schmitt and Gabrielle Tarini MPP19.
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Loretta Lynch, former Attorney General of the United States, speaks on the issues she faced during her time as the U.S. Attorney General during a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session co-hosted with the Black Student Union and moderated by Demarquin Johnson joint MPP/JD at Harvard.
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Belfer Center Senior Fellow Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, discusses her experiences and the challenges around increasing the number of women in national security leadership positions at the first Women in Power Conference. Alexandra Schmitt MPP19, Co-Chair of W3D served as moderator.
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Susan Rice, former National Security Advisor to President Obama, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, and Belfer Center non-resident Senior Fellow, gives students and fellows career advice during a Belfer Center Student and Fellows session co-hosted with the Black Student Union and W3D.
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W3D and the Future of Diplomacy Project host Dr. Aminata Touré, the first female Prime Minister of Senegal, to converse with students about gender, foreign affairs, and leadership.
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The Belfer Center hosts an Open House for HKS students
The Belfer Summer Research Internship Program offers current Harvard graduate students the opportunity to work with a specific Research Team at the Center. Over the course of the internship program, interns will gain subject matter expertise in their research area of focus and hone professional skills.
Program Details
Internship Period: Monday, May 30-Friday, August 5 (10-weeks)
Compensation: $7,000.00 stipend (full-time); $3,500.00 stipend (part-time)
Selection criteria: Students are required to submit an application that includes a resume, 1-page statement of interest, diversity statement, and writing sample (if requested)
Location: The Summer 2022 program will be hybrid, pending further changers in the pandemic.
Applications are now closed for 2022 Summer Research Internships.
Belfer Student Fellows Cohort Photo
Belfer Young Leaders
The Belfer Young Leader Student Fellowship Programs help prepare a community of high-achieving Harvard Kennedy School students to cultivate 21st century, global ideas and to gain the strong analytical and innovative leadership skills necessary to excel in the global affairs arena. The Belfer student fellowship program also aims to impart to students the importance of community, service, and leadership.
The fellowship is designed for incoming and returning Masters in Public Policy (MPP) and Masters in Public Administration (MPA) students at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) who have a demonstrated interest in science and international affairs.
Belfer Student Fellows have the opportunity to participate in policy research in association with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, HKS’s oldest and largest research center. In the fall semester, Belfer student fellows will be paired with a research project or program at the Belfer Center where they will observe and participate in policy research. These awards offer students the opportunity to spend five hours per week on research assistance to Belfer Center projects and programs, and provide a unique opportunity for mentorship by leading faculty and researchers.
Applications for the Belfer Young Leaders 2022-2023 cohort are now closed.
Belfer Student Fellows with Eric Rosenbach
Featured Events
Click below to register for an information session on the Center's student fellowship opportunities and the application process.
Featured People
2020-2021 Belfer Student Fellows
Funding Support
The Belfer Center occasionally funds HKS students (or officially recognized Harvard student organizations) for research, publications, and events related to the core interests of the Center. These decisions are made on an ad hoc basis.
All applications are accepted through the common application (below) in the fall-spring semester.
Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D)
Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development, a student organization at the Harvard Kennedy School, aims to elevate the visibility and impact of women at HKS interested in pursuing careers in the fields of security, diplomacy, and development. The group provides an inclusive space and network for students seeking to enter or advance within these traditionally male-dominated fields. They aim to provide a platform for women to become more meaningfully involved in these issues at HKS and beyond.
Armed Forces Committee (AFC)
The Armed Forces Committee is a student-led organization at HKS that, with support from the Belfer Center, hosts “For the Common Defense,” a weekly speaker series held in the Belfer Library. The series features top-tier military and civilian leaders and focuses on the most pressing issues in the national security space, holds discussions about the civilian-military divide, and serves as the first interaction many HKS students have with members of the military. The AFC welcomes all veterans, active duty military, and students interested in national security.
Several of the Belfer Research teams and Senior Fellows offer opportunities for students during the academic year. Last updated on December 9, 2021.
Environment and Natural Resources Program
ENRP offers internship funding for HKS and Harvard College students pursuing internships on a topic related to energy, the environment, or natural resources, at organizations that do not offer them a salary. More information on eligibility and application details can be found on our website.
Roy Family Fellowship
This fellowship is open to all two-year degree program candidates in the Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration, and Master in Public Administration/International Development program. It provides full tuition for two years through the generous support of the Roy Family Student Support Fund. This fellowship is not open to joint or concurrent degree candidates.
Applicants must have demonstrated an interest in environmental and energy issues, either through public or private sector work experience or through related entrepreneurial experience as an undergraduate. Successful applicants have made a strong case that they intend to focus their studies at the HKS on environment or energy issues.
Preference is given to candidates who demonstrates interest in public-private partnerships and market-oriented solutions to realize environmental or energy goals. The Roy Family Fellow will consult with Environment and Natural Resources Program faculty to assure that his or her curriculum choices will advance his or her understanding of and ability to contribute to environmental policy.
Managing the Atom Project (MTA)
The Project on Managing the Atom (MTA) occasionally offers research opportunities during the academic year for students to work with faculty, staff, and fellows. Interested students may reach out to marina_lorenzini @hks.harvard.edu.
The Middle East Initiative offers a variety of opportunities for students at Harvard Kennedy School, including occasional openings for student interns and research assistants. MEI also participates in the Belfer Center’s Summer Research Assistant Program and provides funding for summer internships with regional organizations and for winter PAE/SYPA research. MEI generally offers January term field study courses each year. We encourage you to explore more detailed information about these offerings on our website.
Further questions and student resumes may be submitted to Alison Hillegeist ahillegeist@hks.harvard.edu.
Kuwait Foundation Fellowship
The Kuwait Foundation Fellowship for Outstanding Emerging Leaders is awarded on a competitive, merit basis to deserving applicants from the Arab World with a preference for students from Kuwait.
It is expected that fellowship recipients will be active and engaged with the activities of the Middle East Initiative. MEI encourages applicants who can demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for public policy issues and concerns in the Arab World to apply. They also value candidates who are entrepreneurial in their field, are strong collaborators and committed to grassroots application and involvement in their society's most pressing issues and concerns.
Further questions and student resumes may be submitted to Julia Martin julia_martin@hks.harvard.edu.
Policy Analysis Exercise and Student Papers
These papers and projects are examples of the Policy Analysis Exercise, Second Year Policy Analysis, and independent research by Harvard Kennedy School students whose work was supported, in part, by the Belfer Center.
PAE Funding
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs provides research grants to HKS students concentrating with policy interest that align with the Center through a competitive application process.
Projects with connection to Belfer-affiliated faculty or related to the following topics will receive priority: science, technology, environmental policy, diplomacy, the military, and international affairs.
The application process and timeline is coordinated with other HKS research centers, and all applications are accepted through the Common Application (found on KNet) in the fall semester.
Belfer Policy Chats (BPC) is an event series that features our Pre/Post-Doc fellows to chat about issues on the forefront of global policy. The aim is to provide an informal forum to engage on Center topics such as national security, climate change, science and technology, cyber security, and innovation.
Please see the Belfer Events page for upcoming Belfer Policy Chat events.
At the conclusion of each Belfer Policy Chat, panelists are invited to record short videos touching on the high points of their talks. Their Talking Points videos from past BPCs are found linked at the button below.
Past Belfer Policy Chats:
BPC | "Rising China in a Changing Asia" featuring Audrye Wong, Alex Yu-Ting Lin and Grace Headinger
BPC | "Arctic Change: How do we know what we know, and what do we DO about it?" featuring Sarah Dewey, Sarah Mackie and Brittany Janis
BPC | "Applied Leadership: Lessons from the Field - Government, Military and Private Sector" featuring Brooke Carr, Russ Porter, Bernie Schoukroun, Bill Putnam, and Aditi Kumar
BPC | “Can we write human rights into the Internet?” featuring James Shires, Vanessa Rhinesmith, and Aditi Kumar
BPC | "Coercion, Diplomacy, and Nuclear Weapons: Eyes on Iran" featuring Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, Reid Pauly, and Aditi Kumar
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Aditi Kumar, Executive Director of the Belfer Center, moderates a panel on “Applied Leadership: Lessons from the Field - Government, Military, Private Sector” at the first event of the Belfer Policy Chats Series. Recenati-Kaplan Fellows Bernadette Schoukroun, Brooke Carr, Russ Porter, and William Putnam rounded out the panel.
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James Shires, Fellow, Cyber Project, Vanessa Rhinesmith, Associate Director, digitalHKS, and Aditi Kumar, Executive Director, Belfer Center, hold a lively discussion on “Can We Write Human Rights Into the Internet?” during a Belfer Policy Chats event.
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Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, Research Fellow with the Iran Project and an Associate with the Project on Managing the Atom, Reid Pauly, Fellow with the International Security Program and the Project on Managing the Atom, discuss "Coercion, Diplomacy, and Nuclear Weapons: Eyes on Iran" as part of the Belfer Policy Chat series.
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Aditi Kumar, Executive Director of the Belfer Center, moderates a panel on “Applied Leadership: Lessons from the Field - Government, Military, Private Sector” at the first event of the Belfer Policy Chats Series. Recenati-Kaplan Fellows Bernadette Schoukroun, Brooke Carr, Russ Porter, and William Putnam rounded out the panel.
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James Shires, Fellow, Cyber Project, Vanessa Rhinesmith, Associate Director, digitalHKS, and Aditi Kumar, Executive Director, Belfer Center, hold a lively discussion on “Can We Write Human Rights Into the Internet?” during a Belfer Policy Chats event.
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Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, Research Fellow with the Iran Project and an Associate with the Project on Managing the Atom, Reid Pauly, Fellow with the International Security Program and the Project on Managing the Atom, discuss "Coercion, Diplomacy, and Nuclear Weapons: Eyes on Iran" as part of the Belfer Policy Chat series.
The Belfer Bullet Points Series highlights featured faculty’s area of expertise by asking them to offer five “bullet points” of reflections on a current topic. The goal of the series is to provide an informal forum to engage with Center faculty on topics such as national security, climate change, science and technology, cybersecurity, and innovation. By formating the discussion around five bullet points, the audience sees high-level policy points on public policy issues and how academics and principals frame their decision-making thinking.
Past Belfer Bullet Points Series:
BPS | "How history offers guidance for policymakers navigating through today's crises" featuring Fredrik Logevall and Charlotte Fitzek
BPS| "Leadership in National Security" featuring Ash Carter and Amritha Jayanti
BPS| "Post Covid Economic Recovery" featuring Jeffrey Frankel and Aditi Kumar
We are committed to supporting students' academic outputs and writing at the Belfer Center.
