Arctic Initiative
Arctic Initiative supports fellows conducting policy-focused research on the changing Arctic to improve governance, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable development for communities and ecosystems.
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Funder: John F. Kennedy School of Government
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Applications open) | December 1, 2026 (Applications close) | December 15, 2026 (Recommendation letters)
Funding Amounts: Stipend, office space, and limited travel support for one academic year (10 months)
Summary: Supports policy-focused Arctic research to improve governance, resilience, and sustainable development amid rapid environmental change.
Key Information: Fellows must be on campus for the majority of their in-residence appointment.
Description
The Arctic Initiative fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports research on the challenges and opportunities arising from the Arctic’s rapid transformation. It is run jointly by the Belfer Center’s Environment and Natural Resources Program and Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. Fellows assess whether governmental and international policies, programs, laws, and regulations adequately address emerging Arctic issues and explore how they can be improved.
For 2027–2028, priorities are sustainable ocean management, climate change and permafrost thaw, resilience in the Far North, and emerging Arctic policy and governance issues. Research may address marine ecosystems and pollution, adaptation, infrastructure, food security, renewable energy, environmental justice, or the green transition. Fellows collaborate with faculty, policymakers, other experts, and students to advance policy-relevant research supporting Arctic communities and their ecosystems.
