Harvard University Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 | Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Florence
The Harvard University Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 offers an excellent opportunity for qualified scholars to undertake advanced research at Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy.
The fellowship is intended for scholars whose research explores “Italy in the World,” particularly the transnational connections between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance. The programme welcomes applications from scholars working across fields such as history, architecture, art, philosophy, literature, music and history of science.
Successful fellows receive a monthly grant, relocation support and access to the extensive scholarly resources of I Tatti.
Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028
The Berenson Fellowship is one of the residential term fellowships offered by I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies.
The programme supports research projects that examine the relationship between Renaissance Italy and other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
According to Harvard's official I Tatti page, the fellowship is offered for four or six months, with up to four Berenson Fellowships awarded each year.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive financial and academic support during their period of residence in Florence.
The benefits include:
- USD $5,200 per month
- A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD $1,800
- Access to the Biblioteca Berenson and I Tatti's scholarly resources
- A residential research environment in Florence
- Opportunities to participate in conferences, lectures and concerts
- Access to the wider intellectual community at I Tatti
- Possible rent-free apartment accommodation when available
- Housing subsidy when an I Tatti apartment is unavailable
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The official fellowship terms state that fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the centre.
Who Can Apply?
The Berenson Fellowship is designed for established scholars undertaking advanced research.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have a PhD in hand at the time of application.
- Upload a scan of their PhD certificate.
- Not be working toward a second PhD.
- Be prepared to work solely on the project submitted with the application.
- Be unable to hold another fellowship or award concurrently with the Berenson Fellowship.
- Be able to reside in the Florence area during the fellowship.
Applicants should also have a research project that fits the objectives of the Berenson Fellowship.
Importantly, the fellowship is not limited to one academic discipline. Scholars working in areas supported by I Tatti, including architecture and the arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science, are encouraged to apply.
Research Theme: “Italy in the World”
A major feature of the Berenson Fellowship is its focus on Italy's connections with the wider world.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their proposed research addresses transnational interactions involving Renaissance Italy.
Research may explore relationships between Italy and:
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
- The Mediterranean
- Other regions connected to the Renaissance world
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This makes the fellowship particularly interesting for researchers studying cultural exchange, migration, intellectual history, artistic influence, trade, diplomacy, religion, literature or other forms of interaction between Italy and societies beyond Europe.
Fellowship Duration
The Berenson Fellowship is a residential fellowship lasting either four or six months.
Applicants are asked to indicate whether they prefer the:
- Fall term: September to December, or
- Winter-spring term: January to June.
During the fellowship, scholars are expected to focus on the research project for which they were selected. Fellows are also encouraged to participate in the wider academic and cultural life of I Tatti.
Accommodation and Living Arrangements
I Tatti may provide an apartment for a fellow when one is available. Such accommodation can be rent-free, although utility charges may apply.
If an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy may be provided to help with rental costs.
Because the fellowship is residential, successful applicants must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days each week at the centre.
Fellows are responsible for obtaining any required visa or residence permit, as well as appropriate health coverage.
Application Deadline
Application deadline: November 16, 2026
Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time on November 16, 2026.
Applicants should also take note of the recommendation-letter deadline.
Recommendation letters deadline: November 21, 2026
Two scholars familiar with the applicant's work must submit their recommendations online. Applicants are responsible for registering their referees and informing them of the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare their research proposal and supporting materials before accessing the official I Tatti application system.
The application can be completed in English or Italian.
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the official Berenson Fellowship requirements and ensure that they meet the PhD and research eligibility conditions.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official I Tatti Berenson Fellowship page.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
- Register your two academic referees.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit the application before November 16, 2026.
- Ensure your referees submit their recommendations by November 21, 2026.
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Official Application Link
I Tatti – Berenson Fellowship:
Applicants should use the official Harvard/I Tatti website rather than third-party scholarship websites when submitting an application.
Important Information for Applicants
The Berenson Fellowship is highly specialised. It is not a general scholarship for undergraduate or master's students.
Applicants must already have a PhD and must propose research that aligns with the fellowship's focus on Italy's relationship with the wider world during the Renaissance.
Candidates should also understand that the fellowship is residential. Selected scholars are expected to live in Florence and participate in the academic community at I Tatti.
The fellow is responsible for obtaining the necessary visa, residence permit and health insurance where applicable.
Why Apply for the Berenson Fellowship?
For scholars working on Renaissance studies and related disciplines, the Berenson Fellowship provides more than financial assistance.
The fellowship offers access to a major research environment, including the Biblioteca Berenson, which is part of Harvard's broader library system. I Tatti also provides an interdisciplinary community where scholars can exchange ideas and participate in academic and cultural activities.
The opportunity to spend several months researching in Florence can be particularly valuable for scholars whose projects require access to Italian Renaissance collections, literature, archives, libraries and scholarly networks.
Final Thoughts
The Harvard University Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 is a prestigious residential research opportunity for PhD-qualified scholars exploring the global dimensions of the Italian Renaissance.
With a monthly grant of USD $5,200, relocation support of up to USD $1,800, access to Harvard's I Tatti research resources and the opportunity to live and work in Florence, it offers significant academic and financial support.
Interested scholars should begin preparing their applications early and ensure that their proposed research clearly fits the fellowship's “Italy in the World” theme.
Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
Recommendation Deadline: November 21, 2026
Location: Florence, Italy
Duration: 4 or 6 months
Monthly Grant: USD $5,200
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