Berenson Fellowship 2027/28 at Harvard University

Harvard’s I Tatti Center offers the Berenson Fellowship for Renaissance scholars. This program explores “Italy in the World” through transnational cultural dialogue. Projects examine connections between Italy and cultures like Latin America or Asia. The fellowship honors Bernard Berenson’s pioneering geographic vision of Renaissance studies. It supports research spanning the fourteenth through seventeenth centuries broadly. Up to four fellowships are awarded annually across various disciplines.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: Harvard University’s I Tatti Center, Florence
• Duration: Four or six months, residential
• Monthly Stipend: $5,200
• Relocation Supplement: Up to $1,800, one-time payment
• Application Deadline: November 16, 2026, midnight Cambridge time
• Recommendation Deadline: November 21, 2026

Focus Areas

• Architecture, arts, and history of the Renaissance
• Philosophy, literature, and music studies
• History of science during the early modern period
• Transnational dialogues between Italy and global cultures

About the Fellowship

This fellowship supports scholars researching Italy’s Renaissance connections worldwide. Bernard Berenson envisioned Renaissance study extending far beyond narrow European boundaries. His 1956 vision included the Mediterranean, North Africa, and beyond the Euphrates. This fellowship continues that geographically expansive scholarly tradition today.

Fellows join I Tatti’s vibrant intellectual community throughout their residential term. This includes conferences, lectures, and concerts organized specifically for fellows.

Living and Working Arrangements

Fellows must reside in the Florence area throughout their fellowship term. This includes spending at least three days weekly at the center itself. When available, I Tatti provides rent-free apartment housing for fellows. Otherwise, a housing subsidy helps offset rental costs elsewhere nearby. Fellows access the Biblioteca Berenson library seven days weekly. They also join fellow appointees for lunch each weekday throughout their stay.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must hold a completed PhD at the time of application. They cannot pursue a second doctoral degree at the moment. Applicants should work solely on their proposed research project throughout. Strong English proficiency and familiarity with Italian are both required. Priority goes to early and mid-career scholars building their research profiles. Scholars from any nation may apply for this fellowship opportunity.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application electronically before the November deadline. Applications may be written in either English or Italian. Two scholarly recommendations must arrive shortly after your own submission.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers exceptional immersion in Renaissance scholarship within one of the world’s most distinguished research centers, combined with meaningful financial support and minimal competing obligations. Its geographically expansive approach makes it especially valuable for scholars examining Italy’s global connections rather than isolated national history.

Given the two-part deadline structure, applicants should register their recommenders early to ensure timely submission before November 21.

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