Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027

Contexte

Applications are now open for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027, a prestigious research residency hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. The program supports researchers whose work advances the understanding and practice of urban problem-solving, city leadership, innovation, and evidence-based governance.

The newly launched initiative seeks to build a global community of scholars whose research contributes both to academic knowledge and to practical solutions for challenges facing cities worldwide. Selected participants 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 program offers scholars dedicated time to pursue policy-relevant research while engaging with Harvard’s academic community and contributing to discussions on urban leadership and governance.

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University was established to help strengthen the capacity of city leaders to solve complex urban challenges and deliver meaningful results for residents. Through research, training, and collaboration, the Center works to improve the effectiveness of local governments and advance innovative approaches to city management.

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program supports researchers whose work aligns with this mission. Scholars are expected to undertake rigorous, impactful research that can inform how cities address critical challenges and improve public service delivery.

During their residency, scholars will focus primarily on advancing a specific research project proposed during the application process. At the same time, they will engage with faculty, students, practitioners, and fellow researchers across Harvard University.

Research Areas of Interest

The Bloomberg Center for Cities welcomes applications from researchers examining topics related to urban governance, city leadership, and public-sector innovation.

Areas of interest include:

• Mayoral leadership and management strategies
• Conditions that enable high-performing teams and public-sector staff
• Organizational capabilities that drive innovation
• Evidence-based policymaking and implementation
• Data-driven governance and decision-making
• Artificial intelligence applications in city management
• Cross-sector collaboration and partnerships
• Urban problem-solving and service delivery improvements

Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their work has clear relevance to city leadership and urban governance.

Missions et responsabilités

While the primary focus of the residency is research, selected scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Bloomberg Center for Cities.

Responsibilities include:

• Hosting one research seminar per semester
• Leading a student study group that meets twice per month
• Holding monthly office hours for participating students
• Organizing one public event, such as a lecture, panel discussion, or research presentation for the Harvard community

These activities are intended to encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and engagement between scholars and the broader academic community.

Profil recherché

The program welcomes applications from researchers at different career stages and from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Notably, there are no formal academic rank requirements, making the opportunity accessible to a broad range of scholars whose work aligns with the Center’s mission.

Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining a project they intend to pursue during their residency.

Conditions et avantages

The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program is designed to provide scholars with the resources and environment needed to make substantial progress on their research.

Benefits include:

• Residency at Harvard University for one semester or one academic year
• Protected time to focus on research
• Housing near Harvard University
• Financial support to facilitate dedicated research time
• Opportunities to engage with Harvard faculty, students, and researchers
• Participation in a growing network of scholars focused on urban problem-solving
• Potential visa sponsorship, subject to institutional policies and individual circumstances

Financial assistance may be used to support course buyouts or other arrangements that enable scholars to step away from regular academic obligations during the residency period.

Dossier de candidature

Research proposals should clearly explain:

• The urban challenge or city leadership issue being addressed
• The research questions guiding the project
• The theoretical framework supporting the research
• The research design and methodology
• The anticipated contribution to scholarship and practice
• Expected outputs and potential impact

Applicants may also be invited to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee before final selections are made.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• 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 committee will seek candidates whose work demonstrates both scholarly excellence and practical relevance to city leadership.

Comment postuler

Key dates for the 2027 cohort include:

• Applications Open: September 16, 2026
• Application Deadline: October 28, 2026
• Notification of Selected Scholars: February 2027

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals well in advance of the deadline.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Competitive applicants should clearly demonstrate how their research can help cities improve governance, innovation, service delivery, or leadership effectiveness. Strong proposals typically combine rigorous methodology with practical relevance and a clear pathway to impact.

Researchers should also explain how access to Harvard’s academic environment would help advance their work and contribute to broader conversations on urban governance.

Interested researchers must complete the official application and submit a detailed research proposal through the Bloomberg Center for Cities application portal.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY