Berenson Fellowship 2027-2028 at Harvard University (Funded)

Overview

The Berenson Fellowship for 2027-2028, funded by The Lila Wallace - Reader's Digest Fund, is for scholars who explore the theme of Italy in the World. Projects should address transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures, such as Latin American, Mediterranean, African or Asian cultures, during the Renaissance, understood broadly as the 14th to the 17th century. The fellowship is named after Bernard Berenson, who in his 1956 statement On the Future of I Tatti hoped that scholars would come from many countries and be intimately acquainted with the Mediterranean countries and their hinterland. His broad geographic view of the Renaissance anticipated the expansive approach to the early modern world that the fellowship wishes to encourage. Scholars in all the fields supported by I Tatti, including architecture and the arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and the history of science, are encouraged to apply.

I Tatti, the Harvard Center in Florence, gives Fellows time to pursue their studies with minimal obligations and extensive scholarly resources. Fellows join the wider community at conferences, lectures and concerts. The fellowship is residential and lasts 4 or 6 months, with up to four awarded each year.

What you get

The grant is USD $5,200 per month, plus a one-time relocation supplement of up to USD $1,800. Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the center. When possible, a rent-free apartment is set aside, with charges for utilities, and otherwise a housing subsidy helps with rent.

Who can apply

Applicants must already hold a PhD and upload a scan of the certificate, and must not be working on a second PhD. They should work solely on the project they applied with, not editing other book or article projects at the same time, although it may be part of a larger project. They need to be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian. Early and mid-career scholars have priority, and most of the research must be possible in Florence. Scholars from all nations are welcome, with special consideration for those who lack regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

How to apply

Applications can be written in English or Italian and are submitted electronically. Scholars may apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.

Key dates

The deadline is midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 16, 2026.