Study in USA | Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026–2027

November 4, 2025 7:35 am

Study in USA | Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship 2026–2027

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society (BKC) at Harvard University has officially opened applications for its 2026–2027 academic cycle of the Berkman Klein Fellowship Program. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for international scholars, researchers, and practitioners to lead transformative work in artificial intelligence, technology governance, and digital ethics.

Selected fellows will join Harvard’s dynamic academic community to develop independent research projects that address pressing challenges in AI and its intersection with society. The program emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact, giving fellows the platform to influence both global policy and academic discourse.

Why Apply for the Berkman Klein Fellowship?

Since its founding in 1996, BKC has reimagined what an academic fellowship can be. It focuses on interdisciplinary research and welcomes candidates from diverse fields, including:

Technology and computer science
Law and public policy
Social sciences and humanities
Arts and creative sectors

Fellows are selected based on their ability to contribute to ethical, open, and inclusive AI development while connecting technical research with societal needs.

Research Focus Areas for 2026

The 2026 fellowship cycle targets five critical areas that explore how AI interacts with human life and society:

Agentic AI: Investigate autonomous AI systems, accountability, and governance frameworks.
Language Model Interpretability – Enhance transparency and understanding of large language models for safe deployment.
Beyond Intelligence Benchmarks: Develop new methods to evaluate AI beyond conventional metrics, emphasizing social awareness, creativity, and human-like reasoning.
AI and the Human Experience: Examine how AI influences creativity, human relationships, and emotional development.
Bridging the AI Triad: Foster dialogue between AI optimists, cautious critics, and gradualist perspectives to ensure balanced progress.

Who Should Apply

BKC seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership and innovation in public interest technology and AI. Eligible candidates include:

Established and emerging scholars in AI, computer science, law, social sciences, or interdisciplinary research
Practitioners from policy, governance, and civic technology sectors
Technical experts with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience, proficient in AI frameworks like PyTorch or JAX
Research engineers with expertise in open-source AI tools, model infrastructure, or HPC systems

Fellowship Benefits

The Berkman Klein Fellowship offers more than a stipend—it provides the resources to fully dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research:

Generous monthly stipend of up to $6,250, totaling $75,000 annually
Access to Harvard’s libraries, advanced labs, and cross-department research networks
Dedicated office space at Harvard Law School and opportunities to teach or audit courses
Visa sponsorship for international fellows, enabling a smooth transition to Cambridge, Massachusetts

Application Details

Applicants can choose between two fellowship options:

January–August 2026 Fellowship (eight months)
September 2026–August 2027 Fellowship (full academic year)

While residency in Cambridge is strongly encouraged to maximize research engagement, non-residential arrangements may be considered in special circumstances.

Click Here to Apply

Deadline: Submit all applications by Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

This fellowship offers an unparalleled chance to work at Harvard, expand your research impact, and help shape the future of ethical and responsible AI globally.