Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2026 (Fully Funded Research Residency)

Introduction

Are you a researcher or academic dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing today’s cities? Do you want dedicated, protected time to focus on your policy-relevant research while engaging with a vibrant community of urban leaders and scholars at one of the world’s top universities? The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 cohort, offering an unparalleled opportunity to advance your work and make a real-world impact.

Hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, this prestigious program invites scholars to spend either a semester or a full academic year in residence. This is the inaugural year of the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program, and the Center’s mission is to build a lasting, collaborative community of researchers whose work strengthens the capacity of cities and their leaders to deliver results for residents.

If you are ready to elevate your research on mayoral leadership, innovation capabilities, evidence-based policy, or cross-sector collaboration, read on to discover the program details, eligibility criteria, and how to submit a strong application before the October 28 deadline.

Quick Overview

Provider	Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University
Country / Location	United States
Program Type	Visiting Scholars Program / Fellowship
Funding	Fully Funded (Housing and Financial Assistance)
Open To	Researchers globally (Visa sponsorship anticipated)
Deadline	October 28, 2026

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Research Areas

The Bloomberg Center for Cities supports research that strengthens the capacity of cities and city leaders to deliver results. Projects should make a significant contribution to advancing the study of urban problem-solving and city leadership, with a focus on driving performance, leading innovation, and delivering results for residents. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Mayoral leadership and management strategies
• Conditions that enable high-performing staff and teams
• Organizational capabilities for innovation
• Evidence-based policy solutions and the capacity needed to deliver them
• The use of data and artificial intelligence to strengthen decision-making
• Effective approaches to cross-sector collaboration

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Program Expectations

During their residency (which may last one semester or a full academic year), scholars will focus primarily on advancing the research project outlined in their application. In addition, scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Center through a small number of structured activities:

• Research Seminar: Hosting one research seminar per semester focused on their ongoing work or related themes.
• Student Study Group: Convening a student study group connected to their research that meets twice per month (with monthly office hours), intended to facilitate discussion rather than formal instruction.
• Community Event: Organizing one event (such as a talk or panel) open to the broader Harvard community.

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Application Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a proposal describing a specific research project that they will pursue during the residency. Proposals should clearly articulate:

• The urban problem or city leadership challenge that the research addresses.
• The research question(s) that the project examines and the theory/theories underpinning the work.
• The research design and methodological approach.
• The significance of the project for the fields of research and practice.
• The type(s) of outputs envisioned and potential impacts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the residency for the Visiting Scholars Program?

Scholars may choose to spend either one semester or one full academic year in residence at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

Are international researchers eligible to apply?

Yes. The program invites researchers globally, and the Center anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars (subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances).

Do I need to hold a specific academic rank to apply?

No. There are no formal requirements regarding academic rank. Applicants may come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and be at different career stages.

The program invites applications from researchers whose work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Academic Background & Career Stage

Applicants may come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds.

Open to researchers at different career stages.

There are no formal requirements regarding academic rank.

Applications will be rigorously evaluated based on the following criteria

Clarity and significance of the research problem.

Strength of the research design.

Potential contribution to scholarship and to the practice of urban problem-solving.

Alignment with the mission and thematic interests of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Note: Applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with members of a selection committee prior to being formally appointed.

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is designed to provide scholars with protected time for research. If you are selected, your residency is fully supported to ensure you can dedicate sustained time to your project:

Housing: Provided near Harvard University.

Financial Assistance: Available to enable scholars to dedicate sustained time to their proposed research. Depending on individual circumstances, this support may be used to facilitate course buyout or other arrangements that allow scholars to step back from regular academic obligations.

Visa Support: The Center anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars, subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances.

If you are interested in applying for the inaugural Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program, you must submit your application and proposal through the official portal before the deadline.

Apply Now →

For more information, please visit the

Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.