Harvard Impact Labs
Harvard Impact Labs from Harvard University funds faculty research partnerships to develop and scale solutions for urgent social challenges through collaborative, real-world projects.
Funder: Harvard University
Due Dates: September 18, 2026 (Public Service Leaves)
Funding Amounts: Up to $175,000 for Public Service Leaves (salary/benefits, one semester); $25,000 seed funding for Development Fellowship; other support varies by program.
Summary: Supports Harvard faculty collaborations with practitioners and communities to address urgent social challenges through research, innovation, and public service.
Description
The Harvard Impact Labs initiative provides Harvard faculty with resources and funding to partner with practitioners and communities in developing, testing, and scaling solutions to major social problems. The initiative includes several funding streams:
- Impact Labs: Funding and support to launch new labs or new lines of work within existing labs focused on impactful, collaborative research.
- Impact Lab Development Fellowship: A 9-month fellowship offering training, coaching, and $25,000 in seed funding to help faculty conceptualize and prepare new projects that address social challenges.
- Public Service Leaves: Funding to enable faculty to take a semester- or year-long leave to work in government or nonprofit organizations, with up to $175,000 available for salary and benefits.
The program aims to bridge academic research with real-world impact, supporting solutions that benefit society at scale.
