Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional and highly competitive program offering researchers, technologists, policy experts, and interdisciplinary practitioners a unique opportunity to study, build, and shape the future of AI governance, technology policy, digital society, and emerging computational systems. Hosted at the prestigious Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society (BKC) at Harvard University, this fellowship welcomes global applicants for the January–August 2026 and September 2026–August 2027 cycles.
This transformative fellowship supports cutting-edge research, public-interest scholarship, open-source AI development, and interdisciplinary collaboration in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Institution | Harvard University – Berkman Klein Center |
| Funding | Up to $75,000 (depending on candidate profile) |
| Duration | Jan–Aug 2026 OR Sept 2026–Aug 2027 |
| Location | Cambridge, MA (residence strongly encouraged) |
| Application Deadline | 5 December 2025 |
| Official Link | https://cyber.harvard.edu/page/open-call-fellowship-applications-2026-and-2026-2027 |
| Application Link | https://brk.mn/2627apply |
Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026
The Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for scholars, practitioners, engineers, and policy experts to conduct independent research on the governance, design, and societal impact of AI systems. Fellows join a world-class interdisciplinary environment and work alongside leading faculty, engineers, policymakers, and scholars.
Fellows are expected to:
✔ Lead an independent research project aligned with BKC’s AI agenda
✔ Produce a significant public-facing output (paper, model, dataset, prototype, policy brief, etc.)
✔ Participate in BKC’s vibrant community, events, workshops, and mentoring
✔ Engage collaboratively with technical and non-technical audiences
2. Priority Research Themes
BKC will prioritize projects related to:
Agentic AI
Autonomous systems operating across time, modifying environments, and interacting with other agents.
Language Model Interpretability
Understanding internal mechanisms of large language models and creating meaningful interpretability standards.
Beyond Intelligence Benchmarks
Developing benchmarks for agency, identity, loyalty, theory of mind, awareness, and social cognition.
AI & the Human Experience
Studying how AI reshapes relationships, creativity, spirituality, cognition, and human emotional life.
Bridging the AI Triad
Facilitating dialogue between accelerationists, safetyists, and skeptics to build balanced governance models.
3. Who Should Apply?
This fellowship welcomes:
- Researchers in AI, computer science, data science, ethics, law, policy
- Engineers building open-source AI infrastructure
- Social scientists, writers, and researchers of digital society
- Faculty, postdocs, practitioners, technologists, and civil-society experts
- International applicants (visa support available)
4. Eligibility Criteria
✔ Demonstrated experience in research or professional work
✔ Strong public-interest orientation
✔ Ability to contribute to BKC’s AI agenda
✔ For technical applicants: Python, PyTorch/JAX, ML research experience
✔ For non-technical applicants: strong scholarly or policy record
✔ Ability to produce an independent project
✔ Availability for Jan–Aug 2026 or Sept 2026–Aug 2027
5. Required Documents
You must upload the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- 1–2 page Cover Letter
- 2–3 page Project Proposal
- 1–3 Work Samples (combined PDF)
- Contact details for two references
All documents must be in PDF format.
6. Fellowship Support & Funding
Fully funded fellows may receive:
- Up to $75,000 stipend for a 12-month appointment
- Access to Harvard libraries, research centers, and campus resources
- Shared office/workspace at BKC
- Possibility to audit classes
- Optional teaching opportunities
Note: Some fellows join via external funding (paid sabbaticals, grants, etc.).
7. Time & Residency Requirements
Two options:
1️⃣ January–August 2026
Flexible length within this range.
2️⃣ September 2026–August 2027
Full 12-month fellowship.
Residence in Cambridge, MA is strongly preferred but not mandatory.
8. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the official call →
https://cyber.harvard.edu/page/open-call-fellowship-applications-2026-and-2026-2027
Step 2: Prepare all required documents (CV, proposal, samples)
Step 3: Submit application via the portal →
https://brk.mn/2627apply
Step 4: Await review and potential interview (January–March 2026)
Step 5: Final decisions released in Spring 2026
9. About the Berkman Klein Center
Founded in 1996, the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University is the world’s leading hub for research on digital society, AI governance, and technology policy. The center promotes interdisciplinary solutions for global public-interest challenges.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the fellowship open to non-US applicants?
Yes. Visa support is provided.
Can the fellowship be remote?
Residence in Cambridge is preferred but remote applicants may be considered.
Can students apply?
This call is not open to current students.
Are work samples required?
Yes—maximum of three.
Can I update my application later?
No updates allowed after submission.
