Harvard Environmental Fellows Program in USA 2026

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Are you a recent PhD graduate passionate about tackling complex environmental challenges? The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 is now open for applications! Hosted by the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE), this prestigious two-year postdoctoral fellowship empowers early-career researchers to leverage Harvard’s unparalleled resources and collaborate with faculty across disciplines. With a $90,000 annual salary, health insurance, relocation support, and professional development funding, the program fosters interdisciplinary innovation in areas like climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. Don’t miss this chance to join a vibrant community of scholars and apply by December 1, 2025!

Harvard Environmental Fellows Program

Overview of Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026

  • Host Institution: Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE)
  • Country: USA
  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
  • Eligible Applicants: Recent PhD recipients from any country
  • Study Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • Number of Awards: Approximately 5–6 fellowships annually
  • Program Duration: 2 years (starting September 2026)
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026, managed by HUCE in collaboration with the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, supports innovative research on environmental issues. Fellows work with Harvard faculty from any school or department, forging new connections and exploring multi-layered challenges. This program, open to diverse fields like sciences, economics, law, public policy, public health, medicine, design, and humanities, selects a cohort of about a dozen scholars to complement previous groups. It emphasizes intellectual achievement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact.

Fellowship Focus and Opportunities

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 encourages research on pressing environmental topics, including:

  • Climate change and sustainability
  • Environmental justice and equity
  • Air quality and atmospheric science
  • Renewable energy materials
  • Policy design for environmental equity

Fellows propose projects that utilize Harvard’s resources, such as labs, libraries, and interdepartmental networks. Key opportunities include:

  • Faculty Mentorship: Collaborate with a Harvard host providing office/lab space.
  • Biweekly Dinners: Engage with peers, faculty, and distinguished speakers for intellectual exchange.
  • Interdisciplinary Connections: Strengthen ties across Harvard’s schools and departments.
  • Professional Development: Access to conferences, workshops, and travel funding.

This program is ideal for researchers seeking to expand their work in new directions.

Benefits of the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 offers robust support for fellows’ research and well-being:

  • Annual Salary: $90,000 per year for two years.
  • Health Insurance: Eligibility for employee health coverage.
  • Relocation Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 for moving expenses.
  • Professional Expenses Allowance: $2,500 annually for travel, conferences, and research costs.
  • Office/Lab Space: Provided by the host faculty member.
  • Community Building: Participation in biweekly dinners and events to foster collaboration.
  • Career Advancement: Mentorship to refine research and prepare for future roles.

Fellows must reside in the Cambridge area and commit to the full two years, with fieldwork limited to summer or January recesses.

Eligibility Criteria for Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026

To qualify for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Qualifications: Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree awarded between May 2022 and August 2026; dissertation completed by September 2026.
  • Field of Study: Any discipline, with research focused on environmental issues (e.g., sciences, economics, law, public policy).
  • Harvard Affiliates: Eligible if pursuing new directions distinct from PhD research; cannot continue with thesis advisor or same lab.
  • Host Commitment: Secure one or more Harvard faculty mentors providing office/lab space (ineligible hosts for 2026: Paul Moorcroft, Zhiming Kuang, Caroline Buckee, Satchit Balsari).
  • English Proficiency: Strong command required for Harvard’s academic environment.
  • Commitment: Full-time residency in Cambridge for two years.

The program welcomes applicants from any country, prioritizing intellectual potential and environmental relevance.

Required Documents

To apply for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026, submit the following:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic and professional experience.
  • Research Proposal: Maximum 5 pages, outlining your environmental project, methodology, and Harvard resources needed.
  • Writing Samples/Publications: Up to 3 examples (e.g., papers, distinguishing peer-reviewed from non-peer-reviewed).
  • Three Letters of Reference: From academic or professional contacts.
  • Letter of Support from Host: From your Harvard faculty mentor(s), due December 10, 2025.

All materials submitted via the online portal no application fee.

Application Timeline for Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026

  • Application Opening: August 2025
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)
  • Host and Reference Letters Deadline: December 10, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)
  • Review Process: January–March 2026
  • Notification of Results: March–April 2026
  • Fellowship Start: September 2026 (flexible June–September)

Department-specific deadlines (e.g., History of Science sponsor request by November 1, 2025) may apply.

How to Apply for Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026

Follow these steps to apply for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026:

  1. Identify a Host: Secure commitment from one or more Harvard faculty mentors (contact via email or department sites).
  2. Prepare Materials: Draft your research proposal (5 pages max) and gather CV, writing samples, and references.
  3. Access the Portal: Visit the HUCE Environmental Fellows Application Portal to create an account.
  4. Complete the Form: Upload your CV, proposal, and samples; enter referee details.
  5. Submit by Deadline: Ensure all applicant materials are in by December 1, 2025; hosts/references by December 10, 2025.
  6. Await Review: The selection committee evaluates based on research relevance, potential, and host fit.
  7. Interviews (If Needed): Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for discussions.

For FAQs and guidance, visit the HUCE Environmental Fellows Page.

Why Choose the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program?

Harvard University, a global leader in research, offers an unparalleled platform for environmental innovation. Here’s why this fellowship stands out:

  • Interdisciplinary Excellence: Collaborate across Harvard’s schools to address multifaceted issues.
  • World-Class Resources: Access labs, libraries, and networks at the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability.
  • Diverse Cohort: Join 5–6 fellows with varied backgrounds, fostering rich discussions.
  • Mentorship: Guidance from top faculty to refine your research trajectory.
  • Cambridge Residency: Immerse in Harvard’s vibrant academic and cultural community.

This program launches careers in environmental leadership.

Additional Opportunities

Explore other postdoctoral fellowships:

Tips for a Successful Harvard Environmental Fellows Program Application

To increase your chances of securing the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026, follow these tips:

  • Craft a Compelling Proposal: Focus on environmental relevance and Harvard’s unique resources (max 5 pages).
  • Secure a Strong Host: Choose mentors whose expertise complements your project; get their commitment early.
  • Highlight Potential: Emphasize intellectual achievement and new directions in your CV and samples.
  • Polish References: Ensure referees address your fit and innovation.
  • Submit Early: Meet department deadlines (e.g., November 1 for History of Science).

Conclusion

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 is a transformative opportunity for recent PhD graduates to conduct cutting-edge environmental research at Harvard. With a $90,000 salary, health insurance, relocation support, and a collaborative community, this fully funded fellowship empowers you to drive global change. Don’t miss your chance to join HUCE’s cohort and apply by December 1, 2025!

For more information or to apply, visit the Harvard Environmental Fellows Official Website and launch your environmental research career.