Harvard Impact Labs
Harvard Impact Labs funds faculty-led, interdisciplinary research collaborations with external partners to develop and scale solutions for urgent social challenges.
Funder: Harvard University
Due Dates: March 18, 2026 (LOI for Impact Lab Start-Up Funding) | June 2, 2026 (Impact Lab Development Fellowship) | July 24, 2026 (Full application for Impact Lab Start-Up Funding) | September 18, 2026 (Public Service Leaves)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 over two years (Impact Lab Start-Up Funding) | $25,000 (Development Fellowship) | Up to $175,000 for one semester (Public Service Leaves)
Summary: Supports Harvard faculty in developing, launching, or scaling research collaborations with practitioners to address major social challenges.
Key Information: Multiple tracks: Start-Up Funding, Development Fellowship, and Public Service Leaves each have distinct deadlines and eligibility.
Description
Harvard Impact Labs empowers Harvard faculty to collaborate with practitioners and communities in developing, testing, and scaling solutions to urgent social problems. The program offers several funding opportunities—including Impact Lab Start-Up Funding, the Impact Lab Development Fellowship, and Public Service Leaves—each designed to support different stages of research partnership and public impact. These opportunities foster interdisciplinary, applied research that aims for tangible societal benefits and deeper engagement with external organizations.
