Harvard Berenson Fellowship

The Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027-2028 is a fully funded residential research fellowship awarded by Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence, Italy. It supports postdoctoral and established scholars at fellowship level whose work explores Italy in the World, with a focus on transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.

It is open to international scholars in fields such as architecture and the arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science. Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month, a relocation supplement, library access and housing support. Applications close on 16 November 2026. Read on for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

Selected Berenson Fellows receive:

• USD 5,200 per month.
• A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
• Access to the Harvard Center's scholarly resources.
• Access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week.
• A dedicated desk or carrel in the library.
• Participation in conferences, lectures and concerts at I Tatti.
• Opportunities to interact with other scholars and members of the Harvard Center community.
• Potential access to rent-free accommodation in an I Tatti apartment, when available, with utilities payable by the Fellow.
• A housing subsidy if an I Tatti apartment is unavailable.
• Lunch with other appointees from Monday through Friday.

The residential nature of the fellowship requires Fellows to live in the Florence area and spend at least three days each week at the Center.

Is the Berenson Fellowship Fully Funded?

The Berenson Fellowship provides substantial financial support through a monthly grant of USD 5,200, a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800, and potential accommodation support.

However, applicants should not interpret “fully funded” as meaning that every personal expense is covered. Fellows are responsible for obtaining their visa, residence permit where required, health coverage and expenses for accompanying family members.

The fellowship also cannot be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.

The Harvard Berenson Fellowship is a postdoctoral research fellowship rather than a degree scholarship.

It is available to scholars who already hold a PhD and are conducting advanced research related to the Italian Renaissance and its connections with other cultures.

The fellowship lasts either:

• 4 months, or
• 6 months

Up to four Berenson Fellowships are awarded each year.

The Berenson Fellowship is specifically designed for projects exploring “Italy in the World.”

Proposed research should address transnational cultural and intellectual exchanges involving Italy and other parts of the world during the Renaissance, broadly understood as the period from the 14th through the 17th centuries.

Relevant fields include:

• Architecture
• Art history
• History
• Philosophy
• Literature
• Music
• History of science
• Renaissance studies
• Mediterranean studies
• Cross-cultural studies
• Early modern studies

Projects may examine Italy's historical relationships and exchanges with regions including:

• Latin America
• Mediterranean regions
• Africa
• Asia
• Other cultures connected to the Renaissance world

The proposed research should demonstrate a clear international or cross-cultural dimension.

Applicants must satisfy the following general requirements:

• Hold a PhD at the time of application.
• Provide a scan of the PhD certificate.
• Not be working toward a second PhD at the time of application.
• Have a research project appropriate for the Berenson Fellowship.
• Be able to conduct most of the proposed research in Florence.
• Be conversant in English.
• Have familiarity with Italian.
• Be prepared to work exclusively on the project submitted for the fellowship.
• Be available to live in the Florence area during the fellowship.
• Be able to spend at least three days per week at I Tatti.

Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars.

Applicants should also note that Term Fellowships at I Tatti can be held only once and generally cannot be deferred. They are intended for scholars who have not previously held an appointment at I Tatti, except for Graduate Fellows.

Research Project Requirements:

The proposed project is one of the most important components of the application.

Applicants should propose a focused research project that fits the theme of Italy in the World and examines connections between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.

The project may represent a section of a larger research programme, but Fellows are expected to work solely on the project submitted in their application.

During the fellowship, Fellows may not simultaneously work on editing other books or articles.

Language Requirements:

Applicants must be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian.

These language abilities are important because Fellows participate in the academic environment at I Tatti and conduct research using resources relevant to Italian Renaissance studies.

The official fellowship information does not specify a universal IELTS or TOEFL score requirement.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you hold a PhD, meet the language requirements and have a research project that fits the Berenson Fellowship's “Italy in the World” theme.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal

Prepare a focused research project addressing transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.

Step 3: Prepare Your Academic Materials

Prepare your curriculum vitae and other information required by the electronic application system. You will also need to provide a scan of your PhD certificate.

Step 4: Select Your Fellowship Period

Applicants should indicate their preferred period:

• Fall: September–December
• Winter-Spring: January–June

The final fellowship period is determined by I Tatti.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Applications can be written in English or Italian and must be submitted electronically.

Step 6: Register Your Referees

Applicants must arrange for two scholars who know their work well to submit recommendation letters through the online system.

Applicants should register their referees early so that they have sufficient time to complete their recommendations.

Required Documents:

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Research proposal/project
• Curriculum vitae
• Scan of PhD certificate
• Academic and professional information requested by the application system
• Two letters of recommendation
• Other information requested in the online application

Recommendation letters may be written in English or Italian.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 is November 16, 2026, by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time.

Recommendation letters must be submitted by November 21, 2026.

Applicants should register their referees well before the recommendation deadline to ensure that the letters are submitted on time.

Fellowship Duration:

The Berenson Fellowship is a residential fellowship lasting either four or six months.

Applicants can indicate their preferred fellowship period:

• Fall: September to December
• Winter-Spring: January to June

Up to four Berenson Fellowships are awarded annually.

Fellowship Location:

The Berenson Fellowship is based at Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence, Italy.

Because this is a residential fellowship, Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the Center.

When available, I Tatti may provide an apartment for the Fellow without rent, although utilities are charged. If an apartment is unavailable, a housing subsidy may be provided.

Important Points:

Applicants should remember:

• The fellowship is for postdoctoral researchers, not PhD students.
• A PhD must already be completed when applying.
• The fellowship focuses on “Italy in the World.”
• Projects should examine transnational connections between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.
• The fellowship supports fields including art, architecture, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science.
• Applicants from all nationalities can apply.
• Early- and mid-career scholars receive priority.
• Applicants must be conversant in English and familiar with Italian.
• Fellows must conduct most of their research in Florence.
• Fellows must spend at least three days per week at I Tatti.
• Fellows cannot take on teaching positions or other obligations during the fellowship.
• The fellowship cannot normally be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
• The fellowship cannot be deferred.
• Applicants can apply for only one type of I Tatti fellowship per academic year.
• Two recommendation letters are required.
• Applicants may submit their application in English or Italian.