Harvard University 2021 Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University is offering Middle East Initiative Research Fellowships for the academic year 2021.

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) engages public policy issues in the Middle East by convening academic and policy experts, collaborating with regional partners, and developing the next generation of leaders.

Fellows are expected to be physically present at Harvard for the duration of the two-semester fellowship. Pre-doctoral research fellows are encouraged to work on, and ideally complete, their doctoral dissertations. Postdoctoral or faculty fellows may use this fellowship to complete a book or develop other works-in-progress.

Fellows are generally expected to:

1. Complete a 25-30 page Working Paper to be published by the Middle East Initiative
2. Present their research at seminars open to the public
3. Attend seminars of other Middle East Initiative research fellows
4. Participate in Middle East Initiative activities as appropriate

• Table of Content
• About Harvard University
• Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships
• Aim and Benefits of Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships
• Requirements for Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Harvard University

Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was named after the College’s first benefactor, the young minister John Harvard of Charlestown, who upon his death in 1638 left his library and half his estate to the institution. A statue of John Harvard stands today in front of University Hall in Harvard Yard, and is perhaps the University’s best known landmark. Harvard University has 12 degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advan... continue reading

Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships

Aim and Benefits of Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships

1. The Middle East Initiative offers ten-month stipends of $40,000 to pre-doctoral fellows and $58,000 to postdoctoral fellows. Pre-doctoral fellows are not benefits eligible. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should clearly indicate on their application form whether they are seeking full or partial funding, and indicate other potential funding sources. Non-stipendiary appointments are also offered, but the application process remains the same.
2. Fellows who expect to complete their Ph.D. program prior to the fellowship can apply for a postdoctoral appointment. Confirmation of Ph.D. completion is required to receive the postdoctoral stipend rate and benefits. The fellow will be paid at the pre-doctoral rate and will not be benefits eligible until the Middle East Initiative receives confirmation of Ph.D. completion.

Requirements for Harvard University Middle East Initiative (MEI) Research Fellowships Qualification

• Eligible candidates include advanced doctoral candidates, recent recipients of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, and untenured faculty members.
• Applicants for pre-doctoral fellowships must have passed general examinations and should be in or near the final year of their program.
• Applications are welcome from political scientists, historians, economists, sociologists, and other social scientists.
• Applications are also encourage applications from women, minorities, and citizens of all countries.

Documents Required for Application

1. CV/Resume
2. Unofficial transcript (pre-doctoral fellow applicants only)
3. Research Proposal (3-5 double-spaced pages)
4. Writing sample (less than 50 double-spaced pages)
5. Contact information for three recommenders submitting letters on your behalf

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit the scholarship webpage