The 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowships offer UK mid-career health professionals a 12-month research opportunity in the United States, with approximately $8,000 monthly, research funding, travel and relocation support. Apply by 1 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Commonwealth Fund, in collaboration with the Health Foundation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice.
The fellowship offers UK mid-career professionals an opportunity to spend up to 12 months in the United States conducting research and learning from leading experts in healthcare policy, delivery and practice.
Established by The Commonwealth Fund in 1925, the Harkness Fellowships aim to develop the next generation of health policy leaders. Fellows work with experienced mentors and host organisations to investigate important healthcare challenges and identify ways to improve access, quality and efficiency.
The programme welcomes professionals from several fields, including government policy, research, clinical leadership, healthcare management and journalism.
Applications for the 2027–2028 UK fellowship programme are open until 1 November 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice |
| Fellowship year | 2027–2028 |
| Main organisation | The Commonwealth Fund |
| UK partners | The Health Foundation and NIHR |
| Host country | United States |
| Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Expected arrival | Mid-to-late August or early September 2027 |
| Monthly living stipend | Approximately US$8,000 |
| Research funding | Provided; exact amount not specified |
| Additional support | Round-trip airfare, relocation support, health insurance and US federal and state withholding taxes |
| Family support | Additional supplement for eligible fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children under 18 |
| Eligibility | UK mid-career professionals in relevant fields |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Official information | The Health Foundation |
Tasks and Fellowship Benefits
Harkness Fellows undertake research designed to improve healthcare policy and practice in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries.
Research and Healthcare Policy Development
Fellows work on research projects addressing important healthcare challenges. The programme focuses on improving access to healthcare, raising quality, increasing efficiency and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Research may involve healthcare delivery, policy development, system improvement and other significant issues within the health policy agenda.
Mentorship and Professional Development
During their US placement, fellows are matched with mentors who are leading experts in their fields. Previous host organisations have included Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Duke University, Harvard University, Kaiser Permanente, RAND Corporation and Stanford University.
Participants also take part in high-level policy briefings and leadership seminars involving US healthcare leaders. These activities provide opportunities to develop professional networks, exchange knowledge and learn from different healthcare systems.
Research Funding and Financial Support
The fellowship award includes dedicated research funding and an approximate monthly living stipend of US$8,000.
Additional support includes round-trip airfare, relocation assistance, health insurance coverage and payment of US federal and state withholding taxes. Fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children under 18 may also receive an additional family supplement.
The exact terms of the award may vary by country. Applicants should consult The Commonwealth Fund for the specific conditions applicable to the UK fellowship.
Research Dissemination
Fellows are expected to share their research findings with relevant audiences. Outputs may include peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, issue briefs, opinion pieces, blog posts and audio or video recordings. Other forms of dissemination may be encouraged depending on the research project.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The Harkness Fellowships are designed for mid-career professionals from the United Kingdom who are committed to advancing healthcare policy and practice.
Eligible professional groups include:
- Government policymakers.
- Researchers.
- Clinical leaders.
- Healthcare executives.
- Journalists.
Applicants should have a clear interest in investigating important healthcare policy issues and contributing to improvements in healthcare systems.
The supplied announcement does not specify a universal minimum academic qualification, minimum number of years of experience or detailed selection criteria. Candidates should consult the official application information to confirm the full requirements.
Additional Information
Applications for the 2027–2028 UK Harkness Fellowships close on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Successful applicants are expected to arrive in the United States from mid-to-late August or early September 2027 and remain for up to 12 months from their arrival date.
How to Apply
Visit The Health Foundation’s Harkness Fellowships page and follow the link to The Commonwealth Fund’s website for full programme information and the official application.
For questions about eligibility and the fellowship, the announcement lists the following contacts:
Mat Kelley: Acting Director, Promoting International Leadership and Exchange — mkelley@cmwf.org
Tim Gardner: Deputy Director of Policy, The Health Foundation — Tim.Gardner@health.org.uk
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and verify all country-specific award conditions directly with the programme organisers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Harkness Fellowships 2027–2028?
They are international healthcare policy fellowships that allow UK mid-career professionals to undertake research and professional development in the United States for up to 12 months.
2. How much is the Harkness Fellowship monthly stipend?
The advertised award includes an approximate living stipend of US$8,000 per month, alongside dedicated research funding and other support.
3. What additional funding does the fellowship provide?
The award includes round-trip airfare, relocation support, health insurance coverage and payment of US federal and state withholding taxes. An additional family supplement may be available to fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children under 18.
4. Who can apply for the Harkness Fellowships?
The UK programme is intended for mid-career government policymakers, researchers, clinical leaders, healthcare executives and journalists committed to advancing healthcare policy and practice.
5. Where will fellows undertake their research?
Fellows spend their programme period in the United States, working with mentors and host organisations relevant to their research interests.
6. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts up to 12 months. Participants are expected to arrive in the United States from mid-to-late August or early September 2027.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027–2028 UK Harkness Fellowships close on 1 November 2026.
8. Does the fellowship provide research mentorship?
Yes. Fellows are placed with experienced mentors in their areas of interest and participate in policy briefings and leadership seminars with US healthcare leaders.
9. Is the fellowship open to applicants worldwide?
The announcement provided by The Health Foundation specifically concerns applicants from the UK. Applicants from other countries should check whether a separate country-specific Harkness Fellowship opportunity is available.
10. How can I apply?
Read the official Harkness Fellowships announcement and follow the application link to The Commonwealth Fund’s website.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Harkness Fellowships 2027–2028 may be particularly valuable for UK mid-career healthcare professionals seeking international research experience, policy leadership development and collaboration with leading US healthcare institutions.
The approximate US$8,000 monthly living stipend, dedicated research funding, travel support and mentorship make the programme notable. Applicants should carefully check the eligibility criteria and country-specific award terms before submitting an application.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and career opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with The Commonwealth Fund, The Health Foundation or NIHR and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should confirm all requirements, funding terms and application details through the official programme website.
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