The Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE) Environmental Fellows Program is a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity for recent doctoral recipients interested in complex environmental research. Fellows conduct research at Harvard for two years, collaborating with faculty members to foster interdisciplinary connections across the university.
Key dates
- Application deadline for 2025 cohort: The application period for the 2025 cohort has already closed. The final deadline was January 13, 2025.
- Application deadline for 2026 cohort: The application window for the 2026 cohort is open, with applications due on December 1, 2025. The information below applies to the most recent cycle.
- Fellowships awarded: HUCE typically awards approximately five to six fellowships per cohort.
Program purpose and structure
The fellowship enables recent doctoral recipients to use Harvard’s resources to address environmental issues through a two-year independent research project under the mentorship of one or more Harvard faculty members. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration while also welcoming candidates from a single discipline. HUCE promotes community among fellows through co-curricular activities like dinners with faculty and speakers.
Fellowship benefits
The program provides a comprehensive award package, including an annual salary of $90,000, up to $2,500 for relocation expenses, a $2,500 annual allowance for professional costs, and eligibility for employee health insurance.
Eligibility requirements
Candidates from various academic backgrounds and disciplines are eligible if their research relates to environmental issues. A doctorate or comparable terminal degree is required, awarded between May 2021 and August 2025 for the 2025 cohort, and between May 2022 and August 2026 for the 2026 cohort. A critical requirement is securing a commitment from a Harvard faculty member to serve as a mentor and provide space. Harvard graduates or current employees are eligible if their proposed research is distinct from previous work and they do not extensively collaborate with a former thesis advisor. The program is open to international applicants from any university who are proficient in English. Fellows must reside in the Cambridge, MA area and work at Harvard for the entire two years.
Application process
The application requires submitting an online form and supporting documents as PDFs, including a curriculum vitae, a detailed research proposal (maximum five pages), and up to three writing samples. Three letters of recommendation, including one from the dissertation adviser, and a separate letter of support from the Harvard faculty host are also necessary.
Selection process
A committee of HUCE faculty evaluates proposals based on quality, relevance to environmental issues, potential for intellectual achievement, and independence from PhD work. A select group of applicants will be invited for a video interview.
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