Applications for the 2026–2027 fellowship cohorts at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights Policy are now officially open, marking the beginning of a competitive and widely anticipated selection cycle. Interested candidates must submit all application materials by February 22, 2026.
These prestigious fellowships—spanning Human Rights, Global Rights, Racial Justice, and Technology & Human Rights—offer an exceptionally rare opportunity for scholars, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and emerging leaders to engage in immersive, advanced inquiry into some of the most urgent global questions of our time. Each program is carefully designed to foster rigorous intellectual exchange, stimulate cross-disciplinary innovation, and strengthen global human rights practice through research, policy exploration, and collaborative dialogue.
Across all programs, fellows become part of a vibrant intellectual community at the Harvard Kennedy School, gaining access to world-class faculty, seminars, workshops, public conversations, and academic resources. Throughout the fellowship year, they develop cutting-edge research projects intended to contribute meaningfully to the broader landscape of human rights scholarship, policy, and advocacy.
While several fellowships function as unpaid affiliations, the Racial Justice Fellowship uniquely provides a $10,000 stipend in support of research and engagement. All programs run for one academic year (September 1 – June 30) and welcome both emerging and established professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to human rights and allied fields.
Below is an expanded overview of all open fellowship programs for the 2026–2027 academic year, including eligibility criteria, requirements, expectations, and application guidelines.
1. Carr-Ryan Center Fellowship (Unpaid, Non-Residential)
Program Overview
The Carr-Ryan Center Fellowship is designed for individuals deeply committed to advancing human rights scholarship, advocacy, or professional practice. This year-long affiliation provides fellows with the intellectual space and academic structure to pursue independent research, produce influential writing, and contribute to global conversations surrounding human rights.
Fellows may:
- Conduct independent or collaborative research projects
- Produce high-quality writing or policy-relevant scholarship
- Audit select Harvard Kennedy School courses
- Meet with Harvard faculty and distinguished visiting experts
- Lead student study groups or workshops
- Participate in conferences, public lectures, and specialized events
Although this fellowship is unpaid, many participants secure external funding from their home institutions, employers, philanthropic organizations, or competitive grants.
Term
September 1 – June 30 (one academic year)
Residency
Primarily non-residential, though limited shared office space may be available for fellows who spend time in Cambridge.
Eligibility
Applicants may include:
- Post-doctoral scholars
- Academics on sabbatical
- Human rights defenders and advocates
- Senior leaders from international or intergovernmental organizations
- Executives or directors of human rights NGOs
- Practitioners or researchers aligned with the Center’s core priorities
Both emerging leaders and established professionals are encouraged to apply.
Required Application Materials
- Resume or CV
- Research proposal (up to 3 pages), addressing:
- Alignment with Center priorities
- Relevant Harvard faculty collaborators
- Applicant qualifications
- Executive summary (up to 200 words)
- Two references (names and contact information only)
- Writing sample (up to 10 pages)
- List of prior publications or professional outputs (links or up to 3 attachments)
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2. Global Human Rights Fellowship (Unpaid)
Program Overview
The Global Human Rights Fellowship is a year-long program intended for scholars, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to promoting human rights worldwide. Fellows engage in policy-relevant research that culminates in a public presentation at the Research Symposium in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Participants may also:
- Audit Harvard classes
- Collaborate with faculty and research centers
- Conduct study groups
- Participate in workshops and public events at the Kennedy School
Term
September 1 – June 30
Eligibility and Commitments
Applicants must have a demonstrable commitment to human rights scholarship, practice, advocacy, or policy. Individuals from any discipline or professional background may apply, provided their research aligns with human rights concerns.
Fellows must commit to:
Monthly Participation
- Attend one monthly Zoom meeting
- Engage in cohort discussions and peer feedback
Research Expectations
- Present work at least three times (ideas, drafts, findings)
- Circulate materials in advance for peer review
Spring Symposium
- Share final project at the Research Symposium
The fellowship is unpaid and generally non-residential, though limited office space may be requested.
Required Application Materials
- Resume/CV
- Research proposal (up to 3 pages)
- Executive summary (up to 200 words)
- Two references (contact details only)
- Writing sample (up to 10 pages)
- List of publications or relevant deliverables
Prompted Responses
Applicants must also address:
- Anticipated impact of their research on communities, advocates, or policymakers
- Residency needs, if any
- Funding sources (the fellowship does not provide funding)
Personal Information
Applicants must provide:
- Full name
- Email and phone number
- Current institution/title
- Gender identity and pronouns
- Mailing address
3. Racial Justice Fellowship ($10,000 Stipend)
Program Overview
The Racial Justice Fellowship focuses on producing transformative research at the intersection of racial equity, economic justice, and institutional reform. Fellows may come from academia, public policy, civil society, human rights, technology, or the private sector.
This is the only fellowship that provides direct financial support.
Funding
- $10,000 stipend for the academic year
- Limited travel subsidies may be provided
Term
September 1 – June 30
Residency
Primarily non-residential; optional shared office space may be available.
Fellow Responsibilities
- Conduct original, independent research
- Participate in periodic Zoom meetings with program faculty
- Engage actively with other fellows
- Present research for feedback
- Share outputs for publication and dissemination through the Center
Fellows are expected to travel to Cambridge for an in-person convening, with limited assistance available.
Eligibility
Open to:
- Postdoctoral scholars
- Academics
- Human rights defenders
- Senior NGO or international organization leaders
- Practitioners working in racial and economic justice
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- Research proposal (up to 3 pages)
- Executive summary (up to 200 words)
- Two references
- Writing sample (up to 10 pages)
- Publication list
4. Technology & Human Rights Fellowship
Program Overview
The Technology & Human Rights Fellowship examines how emerging technologies—especially artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, algorithmic governance, and the political economy of data—reshape human rights protections and vulnerabilities.
Co-directed by:
- Professor Mathias Risse
- Professor Shoshana Zuboff, author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
This program builds on influential scholarship addressing the rise of digital power and its implications for democracy and human freedom.
Funding
Unpaid, though travel subsidies are available for required on-campus convenings.
Residency
Primarily virtual, with mandatory in-person convenings each semester.
Fellow Activities
- Attend twice-monthly virtual cohort meetings
- Participate in on-campus convenings once per semester
- Present drafts and works-in-progress
- Engage with faculty, students, and visiting experts
- Audit Harvard courses
Eligibility
Open to scholars, researchers, technologists, theorists, and practitioners whose work aligns with the fellowship’s intellectual mission.
Proposal Requirements
(Up to 3 pages):
- Background and context of the research problem
- Alignment with Center priorities
- Anticipated impact and applicant qualifications
- Executive summary (200 words)
- Two references
- Writing sample (up to 5 pages)
- Publications list
HOW TO APPLY TO ALL PROGRAMS
General Application Steps
- Access the official application portal for the specific fellowship by Applying here.
- Prepare all documents in PDF format.
- Submit by 11:59 PM EST on February 22, 2026.
- Do not contact the Center directly due to high application volume.
- All applications undergo review by the Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School.
- Fellowships do not lead to employment or faculty appointments.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Deadline | February 22, 2026 |
| Fellowship Start | September 1, 2026 |
| Fellowship End | June 30, 2027 |