Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program at Harvard University
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports policy-relevant research on urban problem-solving and city leadership. Selected researchers 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 and offers financial assistance based on individual circumstances. Applications are currently open until October 28.
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 doctoral degree and a current faculty or research appointment
Deadline: October 28
About the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports researchers whose work can contribute to scholarship and practical approaches to urban problem-solving and city leadership.
This is the inaugural year of the programme.
During the residency, scholars focus primarily on advancing the research project described in their application. They also engage with the intellectual community at the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
The programme seeks research that can strengthen the capacity of cities and city leaders to deliver results for residents.
Research Areas
Projects should contribute 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
Researchers from other relevant areas may also apply when their work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
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Programme Support
The programme is designed to provide scholars with protected time for research during their residency.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Housing near Harvard University
✓ Financial assistance to help scholars dedicate sustained time to their proposed research
✓ Access to the Bloomberg Center for Cities intellectual community
✓ Opportunities to engage with research-related activities at Harvard
Depending on individual circumstances, financial assistance may support a course buyout or another arrangement that allows a scholar to step back from regular academic obligations during the residency.
The Center also anticipates being able to sponsor visas for selected scholars. This is subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances.
Scholar Activities
In addition to conducting their primary research project, Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Center.
Scholars are expected to:
• Host one research seminar per semester focused on their ongoing research 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.
The student study group is intended to facilitate discussion rather than formal instruction.
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Eligibility Criteria
The programme invites researchers whose work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Applicants:
• May come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds.
• May be at different career stages.
• Must hold a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree.
• Must hold a current faculty or research appointment when applying.
• The appointment must be at a degree-granting university or recognized research institution.
Applicants must propose a specific research project to pursue during the residency.
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Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants should submit a proposal clearly describing the research project they intend to pursue.
The proposal should explain:
• The urban problem or city leadership challenge addressed by the research.
• The research question or questions examined by the project.
• The theory or theories underpinning the work.
• The proposed research design and methodological approach.
• The significance of the project for research and practice.
• The expected outputs and potential impact of the research.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated according to the quality, relevance, and potential contribution of the proposed research.
The selection criteria 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 be invited to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee.
Following the selection process, successful applicants are formally appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars.
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Important Dates
• Application Launches: September 16
• Application Closes: October 28
• Notice of Selection: February
Application Deadline
Applications for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program are currently open.
The application deadline is:
October 28
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
