Applications are open for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027, offering a $92,000 annual salary, health insurance eligibility, relocation support and professional funding for approximately five fellows.

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027 is now accepting applications from recent doctorate recipients interested in tackling complex environmental challenges through two years of research at Harvard University.

Administered by the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE), a Center of the Salata Institute, the programme allows fellows to work with Harvard faculty members across virtually any school or academic discipline.

The 2027 fellowship offers a $92,000 annual salary, employee health insurance eligibility, reimbursement of up to $2,500 for relocation expenses, and a $2,500 annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. Harvard expects to award approximately five fellowships for the 2027 cohort.

The application window is officially open, with applications due by December 1, 2026.

Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027 at a Glance

Category	Details
Fellowship	Harvard Environmental Fellows Program
Institution	Harvard University Center for the Environment
Location	Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Fellowship duration	2 years
Annual salary	$92,000
Approximate two-year salary	$184,000
Health benefits	Employee health insurance eligibility
Relocation	Up to $2,500 reimbursement
Professional expenses	$2,500 per year
Expected 2027 awards	Approximately 5
Degree requirement	Doctorate or comparable terminal degree
Eligible degree dates	May 2023–August 2027
Fields	Broad range of disciplines
Interdisciplinary research	Encouraged but not required
Harvard faculty host	Required
Application status	Open
Application deadline	December 1, 2026
Interview	Selected applicants interviewed by video

What Is the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program?

The Environmental Fellows Program was created to give recent doctorate recipients an opportunity to use Harvard’s extensive academic resources to investigate complex environmental problems.

Fellows spend two years working with Harvard faculty members from across the University’s schools and departments while becoming part of a multidisciplinary research community.

The programme is deliberately broad.

Environmental research is not restricted to traditional environmental science.

Harvard indicates that fellows and faculty hosts may come from areas including:

Sciences
Economics
Law
Government
Public policy
Public health
Medicine
Design
Humanities

This creates opportunities for researchers approaching environmental problems from scientific, social, economic, legal, health, technological, policy or humanities perspectives.

How Much Does the Harvard Environmental Fellowship Pay?

The fellowship provides an annual salary of:

$92,000 per year.

Since the fellowship lasts two years, this corresponds to approximately:

$184,000 in salary over two years

assuming the stated annual salary applies across both fellowship years.

The salary is separate from the programme’s relocation reimbursement and annual professional-expense allowance.

Additional Financial Benefits

The compensation package includes more than the $92,000 annual salary.

Fellows receive:

Employee health insurance eligibility
Up to $2,500 reimbursement for relocation expenses
$2,500 annually for travel and other professional expenses

Over two years, the professional allowance could amount to:

$5,000

based on the stated $2,500 annual allowance.

Combined with the maximum relocation reimbursement, the programme therefore provides financial support beyond the fellow’s salary.

However, these benefits should not simply be added to salary and described as guaranteed cash compensation because relocation funding is reimbursement-based and health insurance eligibility is a separate employment benefit.

Is the Harvard Environmental Fellowship Fully Funded?

The programme provides substantial paid support, but “fully funded” is not the most precise description based on the official information.

The confirmed package consists of:

$92,000 annual salary
Health insurance eligibility
Up to $2,500 relocation reimbursement
$2,500 annual professional allowance

The source does not state that every personal living expense, housing expense or other cost is separately covered.

It is therefore more accurate to describe this as a paid two-year fellowship with salary and additional benefits.

How Many Fellowships Are Available for 2027?

HUCE expects to award:

approximately five fellowships

for the 2027 cohort.

This is a small cohort.

The selection committee also aims to complement the fellows selected in the previous year, creating a broader community of approximately a dozen scholars with diverse academic interests, skills and backgrounds.

Who Can Apply for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027?

The programme is open to candidates with:

a doctorate or comparable terminal degree awarded between May 2023 and August 2027.

This eligibility window is particularly important.

It means the fellowship targets recent doctorate or terminal-degree recipients rather than researchers at every career stage.

Can Candidates Graduating in 2027 Apply?

Yes, provided the candidate’s doctorate or comparable terminal degree will fall within the stated eligibility period ending in:

August 2027.

Applicants expecting to complete their degree should carefully follow the application requirements concerning proof of degree status and expected completion.

Which Degrees Are Eligible?

The official programme states:

doctorate or comparable terminal degree.

This broader wording matters because the fellowship is not limited exclusively to conventional PhD holders.

Candidates from disciplines where another qualification serves as the appropriate terminal degree may potentially qualify.

Applicants should follow Harvard’s application instructions if they are uncertain whether their degree is considered comparable.

Which Academic Fields Are Eligible?

The Environmental Fellows Program is intentionally interdisciplinary.

Harvard states that recipients and faculty hosts may include people with degrees in:

Sciences
Economics
Law
Government
Public policy
Public health
Medicine
Design
Humanities

Research topics can be similarly varied.

Do You Have to Be an Environmental Scientist?

No.

One of the most important features of the programme is that environmental research can be approached through many academic disciplines.

Potential research areas at Harvard associated with the Center include:

Architecture and environmental design
Arts and humanities
Business, law and policy
Climate change
Ecology and biodiversity
Energy
Human health
Social sciences

A lawyer researching environmental regulation, an economist studying climate policy, a public-health researcher examining environmental health or a humanities scholar studying environmental questions may therefore fit the programme’s broad intellectual framework.

Is Interdisciplinary Research Required?

No.

Harvard encourages:

interdisciplinary research projects

but explicitly states that interdisciplinarity is not required.

Candidates working primarily within one discipline are also encouraged to apply.

This gives applicants considerable flexibility when designing their projects.

What Kind of Research Project Should You Propose?

The proposed project should represent:

an independent line of inquiry.

It should clearly extend beyond:

The candidate’s PhD work
The proposed Harvard host’s ongoing research

This is one of the most important requirements for applicants to understand.

The fellowship is not simply intended to finance continuation of the candidate’s doctoral dissertation.

Harvard wants fellows to develop intellectually beyond their previous work.

Your Project Must Address Environmental Issues

The relevance of the proposed research to:

environmental issues

is a critical selection consideration.

Applicants from fields that are not traditionally labelled environmental disciplines should therefore explain the environmental significance of their work clearly.

What Does Harvard Look for in Applicants?

The official selection criteria identify several factors.

These include:

Prior academic success
Prior professional success
Potential contribution to scholarship or practice
Quality of the research proposal
Environmental relevance
Potential for intellectual achievement
Independence from previous doctoral research
Fit with the proposed Harvard host

Academic and Professional Achievement

Harvard considers the applicant’s:

prior academic and professional success.

Applicants should therefore present a clear record of accomplishments relevant to their career stage.

Depending on the field, evidence could include:

Publications
Research
Professional projects
Policy contributions
Creative work
Clinical or public-health contributions
Technical work
Awards
Academic achievements

Potential Contribution to Scholarship or Practice

The fellowship is not limited to applicants pursuing purely theoretical academic research.

Harvard evaluates a candidate’s potential contribution to:

scholarship or practice.

This creates room for projects capable of producing meaningful practical, professional or policy outcomes alongside scholarly contributions.

The Research Proposal Matters

Project proposals are carefully evaluated by a committee of HUCE faculty.

The proposal should show:

Intellectual independence
Environmental relevance
Originality
Feasibility
Strong scholarly potential

Most importantly, it should not simply reproduce the applicant’s dissertation or the host faculty member’s existing programme of research.

Finding a Harvard Faculty Host

Applicants should begin identifying a Harvard faculty host:

as early as possible.

Harvard describes the host relationship as a significant commitment.

The host will:

Mentor the fellow
Provide office space
Provide basic administrative support
Support the proposed research

Is a Harvard Faculty Host Required?

Yes.

Successful candidates are expected to be strongly supported by their proposed host.

The host must submit a:

letter of support of no more than two pages

describing their level of commitment to both the research project and the applicant.

Why Applicants Should Contact Hosts Early

Some Harvard faculty members may receive approaches from many prospective applicants.

The official programme page notes that some faculty conduct their own selection process and may choose only one or two candidates to recommend to the fellowship committee.

Waiting until shortly before the December deadline could therefore make it much harder to secure a suitable host.

Who Can Serve as a Host?

A Harvard faculty member from:

any discipline

may potentially serve as a host.

The host does not necessarily need previous experience with HUCE or environmental research.

This broadens the range of possible host relationships significantly.

Can One Professor Host Multiple Environmental Fellows?

No.

Faculty members may host:

only one Environmental Fellow at a time.

Applicants should therefore establish host availability before investing heavily in a proposal built around a particular professor.

Faculty Members Unavailable to Host in 2027

The official page identifies several faculty members who are not eligible or available to host Environmental Fellows for the 2027 cycle.

Those listed include:

Charles Davis
Charles Taylor
Scott Edwards
Le Xie
Robin Kelsey
Phillip Deloria
Richard Lazarus
Joyce Chaplin

Applicants should consult the current programme page before contacting prospective hosts in case this information changes.

Special Deadline for History of Science Sponsor Requests

Applicants interested in working through Harvard’s Department of the History of Science should pay particular attention to an earlier internal deadline.

The department has a:

November 1 deadline for all sponsor requests.

This is earlier than the overall Environmental Fellows Program application deadline of December 1.

Can Harvard Graduates Apply?

Yes.

Candidates receiving terminal degrees from Harvard can apply.

However, Harvard candidates must propose research and host arrangements that take them in:

significantly new directions.

They should not simply continue working with the same professors or research groups with whom they are currently associated.

Can Current Harvard Postdocs Apply?

Yes.

Current Harvard postdoctoral researchers are eligible under the same general principle.

Their proposed research and host arrangements must create genuinely new intellectual directions and connections within Harvard rather than simply continuing their existing work.

What Does the Harvard Host Need to Provide?

Harvard evaluates not only the candidate but also the proposed host’s commitment.

Important considerations include:

Enthusiasm for the project
Enthusiasm for the applicant
Ability to mentor the fellow
Ability to provide office space
Ability to provide a productive research environment

This means host selection should be strategic rather than based only on the professor’s reputation.

Environmental Fellows Community

The fellowship is designed to create a community rather than a collection of isolated researchers.

HUCE organizes a co-curricular programme so fellows can learn about each other’s work.

Fellows participate in:

biweekly dinners

alongside Harvard faculty members and invited Harvard faculty speakers.

Interview Process

Not every applicant will be interviewed.

Harvard states that:

a select group of applicants

will be invited to discuss their research proposal with the selection committee by video.

Being invited to interview therefore represents a later stage in the selection process.

How Competitive Is the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program?

Harvard expects to award only:

approximately five fellowships for the 2027 cohort.

The official page does not disclose the total number of applicants or an acceptance rate.

It would therefore be inaccurate to assign a specific percentage.

However, the small cohort and extensive selection criteria indicate that applicants should treat the programme as highly selective.

Application Deadline

The application window for the 2027 Environmental Fellows Program is:

open.

Applications are due:

December 1, 2026.

Candidates who need to secure a Harvard faculty host should not treat December 1 as the date to begin preparing.

Host outreach should start considerably earlier.

How to Apply for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027

The programme provides a dedicated Harvard application page.

A sensible preparation process is:

Step 1 — Confirm Degree Eligibility

Check that your doctorate or comparable terminal degree falls between:

May 2023 and August 2027.

Step 2 — Develop Your Research Direction

Your project should address an environmental issue while moving beyond your doctoral research.

Step 3 — Identify a Harvard Faculty Host

Search for Harvard faculty whose expertise and resources align with your proposed research.

Step 4 — Contact the Potential Host Early

Explain:

Who you are
Your research background
Your proposed project
Why the faculty member would be an appropriate host
How the project differs from their existing research

Step 5 — Secure Host Support

Your host must be prepared to provide a formal letter supporting your candidacy and research.

Step 6 — Prepare the Application

Follow the current Harvard application instructions and provide every required component.

Step 7 — Submit Before December 1, 2026

Do not wait until the deadline to finalize the application, particularly if external or departmental sponsor arrangements are required.

Documents You May Need to Prepare

The supplied programme overview specifically confirms the importance of:

Research proposal
Host support letter

The complete application-document checklist should be taken from Harvard’s application portal.

Applicants should not assume additional generic fellowship documents are required unless the portal requests them.

How to Choose a Strong Harvard Host

A strong host is not necessarily the most famous professor in your field.

The selection committee also evaluates whether the host:

Is enthusiastic about your project
Can provide effective mentorship
Has a suitable working environment
Can provide office space
Supports your intellectual independence

The ideal relationship should allow the fellow to develop a new research direction while benefiting from Harvard’s resources.

How to Strengthen Your Research Proposal

Make the Environmental Relevance Explicit

Do not expect reviewers to infer why your project matters environmentally.

Explain it directly.

Move Beyond Your Dissertation

The official criteria specifically require the proposed project to extend beyond the candidate’s PhD work.

Establish Intellectual Independence

The project should also go beyond the host’s current research.

You should demonstrate your own scholarly direction.

Explain Why Harvard Matters

A strong proposal should make clear why Harvard’s:

Faculty
Resources
Research community
Institutional connections

are useful for the project.

Keep the Project Feasible

The fellowship lasts two years.

Design a project with meaningful objectives that can realistically be advanced during that period.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Proposing a Continuation of Your PhD

The project should extend beyond doctoral research.

Choosing a Host Only for Prestige

Mentorship and intellectual fit matter.

Contacting Hosts Too Late

Some professors receive many requests and may run their own internal selection processes.

Assuming Interdisciplinary Research Is Mandatory

It is encouraged, not required.

Failing to Explain Environmental Relevance

The project’s connection to environmental issues is a critical selection factor.

Ignoring Department-Specific Deadlines

History of Science sponsor requests, for example, have a November 1 deadline.

Assuming All Harvard Faculty Are Available

Some faculty members are specifically listed as unavailable or ineligible for the 2027 cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program?

It is a two-year fellowship that allows recent doctorate recipients to work with Harvard faculty on research addressing complex environmental issues.

Are applications open for 2027?

Yes.

The official Harvard page states that the 2027 application window is open.

What is the application deadline?

December 1, 2026.

How much is the salary?

$92,000 per year.

How long is the fellowship?

Two years.

What is the approximate salary over two years?

Based on the stated annual salary, approximately $184,000 over two years.

Does the fellowship include health insurance?

The programme provides employee health insurance eligibility.

Is relocation funding available?

Yes.

Fellows can receive reimbursement of up to $2,500 for relocation expenses.

Is professional travel funding available?

Yes.

The programme provides a $2,500 annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses.

How many fellowships will be awarded?

Harvard expects to award approximately five fellowships for the 2027 cohort.

Do I need a PhD?

Applicants need a doctorate or comparable terminal degree.

Which graduation years are eligible?

The degree must be awarded between May 2023 and August 2027.

Can someone finishing a doctorate in 2027 apply?

Potentially yes, provided the degree is awarded within the eligibility window ending in August 2027.

Do I need to be an environmental scientist?

No.

Eligible fellows can come from sciences, economics, law, government, public policy, public health, medicine, design and humanities, among other areas.

Is interdisciplinary research required?

No.

It is encouraged but not mandatory.

Do I need a Harvard faculty host?

Yes.

Does the host need to write a letter?

Yes.

The host submits a letter of support of up to two pages.

Can Harvard graduates apply?

Yes, provided their project and host arrangements take them in significantly new directions.

Can current Harvard postdocs apply?

Yes, subject to the same requirement for a new research direction and new institutional connections.

Are interviews required?

A select group of applicants will be invited to a video interview.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

It is more accurately described as a paid fellowship offering a $92,000 annual salary and additional benefits rather than claiming that every possible living expense is covered.

Why the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program Is Worth Considering

The Environmental Fellows Program combines several significant advantages for researchers at the beginning of their postdoctoral or post-terminal-degree careers.

Successful candidates receive:

$92,000 annual salary
Two years of research time
Employee health insurance eligibility
Relocation reimbursement
Annual professional-expense funding
Harvard faculty mentorship
Office space through the host
Access to Harvard’s academic community
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
Participation in an Environmental Fellows cohort

Perhaps most importantly, the programme gives researchers considerable intellectual breadth.

Environmental challenges can be explored through science, technology, health, law, policy, economics, design, humanities and many other disciplines.

Final Thoughts

The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027 is a major opportunity for recent doctorate and terminal-degree recipients who want to pursue ambitious research addressing environmental challenges.

The two-year fellowship offers a $92,000 annual salary, employee health insurance eligibility, up to $2,500 in relocation reimbursement and a $2,500 annual allowance for travel and professional expenses. Harvard expects to select approximately five fellows for the 2027 cohort.

Applicants can come from a broad range of disciplines, including sciences, economics, law, government, public policy, public health, medicine, design and humanities. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged but not mandatory.

One of the most important parts of the application is finding an appropriate Harvard faculty host. The host serves as a mentor, provides office space and basic administrative support, and must submit a detailed letter supporting the candidate and proposed research.

Candidates should therefore begin contacting potential hosts well before the formal application deadline.

Applications for the 2027 Environmental Fellows Program are currently open, with a deadline of December 1, 2026.

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