Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy
Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy supports resident scholars conducting historical research and developing publications to bring history to bear on strategic studies and major international affairs issues.
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Funder: John F. Kennedy School of Government
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Applications open) | December 1, 2026 (Application deadline) | December 15, 2026 (Recommendation letters) | February 15, 2027 (Notification by)
Funding Amounts: $55,000 for predoctoral fellows; $65,000 for postdoctoral or advanced research fellows, for one academic year
Summary: Supports resident scholars using historical research to address strategic studies and major issues of international affairs.
Key Information: Fellowships are non-deferrable, and fellows are expected to complete a significant publication during residence.
Description
The Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center supports historically focused research within the Applied History Project and International Security Program. It aims to build the next generation of scholars who bring professional history to bear on strategic studies and major issues of international affairs. The program supports resident predoctoral and postdoctoral historians, while also considering scholars in other fields whose projects have a strong historical focus.
During one academic year of residence, fellows are expected to complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication and participate in collaborative endeavors arranged by the project director. These include monthly seminars offering faculty and peer feedback on works in progress. The fellowships honor Ernest May, a Harvard historian and Belfer Center board member who died in June 2009.
