Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program at Harvard University
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports researchers conducting rigorous, policy-relevant work on urban problem-solving and city leadership. Selected scholars spend one semester or a full academic year in residence at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. The programme provides housing near Harvard University and financial assistance to support dedicated research time. Applications are open until October 28th.
Quick Overview
Programme: Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program
Opportunity Type: Visiting Scholars / Research Programme
Host Organization: Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University
Programme Format: Residential
Duration: One semester or one full academic year
Support: Housing near Harvard University and financial assistance
Eligibility: Researchers with a Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree and a current faculty or research appointment
Deadline: October 28th
About the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports research that can contribute to both scholarship and real-world urban challenges.
During the residency, scholars focus primarily on the research project presented in their application. They also engage with the intellectual community of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
This is the inaugural year of the programme. The Center aims to build a collaborative community of scholars whose research can inform the practice of urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Research Areas
Proposed projects should make a significant contribution to the study of urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Areas of particular interest include:
• 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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Programme Support
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is designed to give selected researchers protected time to focus on their proposed research.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Housing near Harvard University
✓ Financial assistance to support sustained research time
✓ Opportunities to engage with the Bloomberg Center for Cities intellectual community
Depending on individual circumstances, financial assistance may support a course buyout or other arrangements that allow scholars to step back from their regular academic obligations during the residency.
The Center also anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars. Visa sponsorship is subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances.
Activities for Visiting Scholars
Although research is the primary focus, selected scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Center through several structured activities.
Scholars are expected to:
• Host one research seminar per semester related to their ongoing work or related themes.
• Convene a student study group connected to their research twice per month.
• Hold monthly office hours connected to the student study group.
• Organize one event, such as a talk or panel, for the broader Harvard community.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may come from different disciplinary backgrounds and career stages, provided their research aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Applicants must:
• Hold a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree.
• Hold a current faculty or research appointment at the time of application.
• Be affiliated with a degree-granting university or recognized research institution.
• Propose a research project aligned with urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit a proposal describing the specific research project they plan to pursue during their residency.
The proposal should clearly explain:
• The urban problem or city leadership challenge addressed by the research.
• The research question or questions being examined.
• The theory or theories underpinning the work.
• The research design and methodological approach.
• The significance of the project for research and practice.
• The expected research outputs and potential impact.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated according to several criteria.
These include:
• Clarity and significance of the research problem.
• Strength of the research design.
• Potential contribution to scholarship.
• Potential contribution to the practice of urban problem-solving.
• Alignment with the mission and thematic interests of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Applicants may also be invited to an interview with members of a selection committee.
Following the selection process, successful applicants will be formally appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars.
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Important Dates
Application Launches: September 16th
Application Deadline: October 28th
Notice of Selection: February
Application Deadline
Applications for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program must be submitted by:
October 28th
Applications are currently open.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
