About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027: Fully Supported Research Residency at Harvard University
Applications are now open for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027, a research residency hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. The program brings together researchers whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of urban challenges, city leadership, public-sector innovation, and evidence-based governance.
Selected scholars will be appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars and will spend either one semester or a full academic year in residence at Harvard University. The residency provides dedicated time for scholars to advance a policy-relevant research project while engaging with Harvard faculty, students, practitioners, and other researchers.
About the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program
The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University works to strengthen the capacity of city leaders to address complex urban challenges and improve outcomes for residents.
Through research, training, and collaboration, the Center explores ways to strengthen local government, improve public services, and develop innovative approaches to city management.
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports researchers whose work aligns with these objectives. During the residency, scholars are expected to focus primarily on a specific research project proposed as part of their application.
In addition to conducting research, visiting scholars will have opportunities to participate in the intellectual and academic activities of the Bloomberg Center for Cities and the wider Harvard community.
Research Areas of Interest
The program welcomes applications from researchers working on topics connected to urban governance, city leadership, public-sector management, and innovation.
Areas of interest include:
Mayoral leadership and management strategies
Conditions that support high-performing teams and public-sector employees
Organisational capabilities that encourage innovation
Evidence-based policymaking and implementation
Data-driven governance and decision-making
Applications of artificial intelligence in city management
Cross-sector collaboration and partnerships
Urban problem-solving and improvements in public service delivery
Researchers from different academic and professional disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their research has a clear connection to city leadership, urban governance, or related challenges.
Benefits of the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program
The program is designed to give selected researchers the time, environment, and resources needed to make meaningful progress on their research.
Benefits may include:
Residency at Harvard University for one semester or one academic year
Dedicated time to concentrate on an approved research project
Housing near Harvard University
Financial support to facilitate dedicated research time
Opportunities to interact with Harvard faculty, students, researchers, and practitioners
Membership in a growing community of scholars working on urban problem-solving
Potential visa sponsorship, subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances
Financial assistance may also support arrangements such as course buyouts or other measures that enable scholars to temporarily step away from regular academic responsibilities during the residency.
Responsibilities of Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars
Although research remains the central focus of the residency, selected scholars are expected to contribute to the academic and intellectual activities of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Responsibilities include:
Hosting one research seminar each semester
Leading a student study group that meets twice each month
Holding monthly office hours for participating students
Organising one public event, such as a lecture, panel discussion, or research presentation, for the Harvard community
These activities are intended to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and interaction between visiting scholars and the broader Harvard academic community.
Eligibility Requirements
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program welcomes researchers at different stages of their careers and from a variety of academic disciplines.
There are no formal academic rank requirements, allowing researchers from different backgrounds to be considered where their work aligns with the mission of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Applicants must propose a specific research project that they intend to develop during their residency.
The proposed project should demonstrate a clear connection to urban challenges, city leadership, governance, public-sector innovation, or related areas of interest.
Research Proposal Requirements
A strong application should clearly explain the proposed research project and its potential contribution.
Research proposals should address:
The urban challenge or city leadership issue being investigated
The main research questions
The theoretical framework underpinning the study
The research design and methodology
The expected contribution to academic scholarship and practice
Anticipated research outputs
The potential impact of the research
Applicants may also be invited to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee as part of the selection process.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed according to several aspects of the proposed research, including:
Clarity and significance of the research problem
Quality and rigor of the research design
Potential contribution to academic scholarship
Relevance to practical urban problem-solving
Alignment with the mission and priorities of the Bloomberg Center for Cities
The selection process will consider the extent to which applicants demonstrate strong scholarship alongside practical relevance to urban leadership and governance..
How to Strengthen Your Application
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed research could contribute to improved urban governance, public-sector innovation, service delivery, or city leadership.
A well-developed proposal should connect a clearly defined urban challenge with appropriate research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. Applicants should also explain how the Harvard academic environment and interaction with researchers and practitioners could help advance their work.
It is useful to demonstrate both the academic contribution of the proposed research and its potential relevance to real-world urban challenges.
How to Apply for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027
Interested researchers should complete the official application and submit their research proposal through the Bloomberg Center for Cities application portal.
Applicants should carefully review the official program information, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and deadline before submitting their applications.
Application deadline: October 28, 2026.
How to apply