Open Call for Fellowship Applications: Academic Year 2025-2026
The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 fellowships.
This opportunity invites talented scholars and practitioners to engage in independent research within one of the Center’s critical workstreams, working closely with Harvard faculty, staff, and the broader BKC community.
About the BKC Fellowship Program
For over 25 years, the Berkman Klein Center has championed interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the digital space, providing fellows with the unique opportunity to contribute to pressing global challenges in technology, society, and policy.
The BKC Fellowship program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, recognizing the value of a broad range of perspectives, skills, and experiences.
The fellowship program is designed to bring together accomplished individuals, both academic and non-academic, to engage in collaborative projects that contribute to the advancement of digital society. Fellows will have the chance to work with a global community of experts and innovators, exploring topics such as AI ethics, social media safety, and the future of digital technologies.
Fellowship Tracks
The Berkman Klein Center is accepting applications across three tracks:
- Academic Fellowships for full-time faculty members (assistant, associate, or full professors)
- Post-Doctoral Fellowships for scholars who have recently completed their PhDs or equivalent degrees
- Non-Academic Fellowships for practitioners with significant experience and expertise in relevant fields
The Berkman Klein Center 2025-2026 Fellowship Workstreams
Applicants are invited to apply to one of the following workstreams, each focused on solving complex and urgent digital challenges:
- AI Interpretability Ethics and Implications
- Agentic AI Protocols and Risk Mitigations
- Artificial General Intelligence Futurecasting and Policy Development
- Tech, Tools, and Practices for Improving University Discourse
- Safety Solutions for Social Media
Candidates are encouraged to propose projects that align with the selected workstream, though the final project slate will be determined through a collaborative planning process with the workstream cohort.
Collaborative Approach
The BKC fellowship emphasizes a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Fellows are expected to actively engage with one another, working together to address shared challenges and develop solutions. This includes creating policy recommendations, prototypes, and other public-facing outputs. Fellows will have access to a variety of university resources, including libraries, health insurance, and office space, as well as opportunities to teach and engage with Harvard’s wider academic community.
Time and Location Commitments
The fellowship program runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. Fellows are required to work full-time on their projects during the academic year and must be based in Cambridge, MA, from September through May. During this time, fellows will work from the Berkman Klein Center’s offices at Harvard Law School and are expected to fully immerse themselves in the BKC community.
Who Should Apply?
The Berkman Klein Center welcomes applications from both established and emerging scholars, as well as experienced practitioners.
Applicants must specify which fellowship track they are applying for (Academic, Post-Doc, or Non-Academic). The Center seeks individuals who:
- Are deeply engaged with issues related to AI, social media, or networked communication
- Have a clear vision for a project and an understanding of the problem(s) their work addresses
- Are eager to collaborate with a diverse group of fellows and contribute to a shared mission
- Have prior published work or demonstrated contributions to their respective fields
Support and Stipend
BKC provides a limited pool of funding to support fellows who are taking unpaid leave or do not have external funding. Fellows may receive stipends of up to $75,000 annually. For those already receiving external funding, BKC will complement this with an additional $10,000 stipend.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials via the BKC application portal:
- CV
- 1-2 page cover letter detailing interest in a specific workstream
- 2-3 page project proposal (past or new project)
- 1-3 work samples
Applicants will also need to provide reference letters if selected for an interview.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Additional Information
Applicants will be required to commit to living and working in the Greater Boston area for the duration of the fellowship program (September-May). All fellowship participants must be eligible to receive a stipend and may need to provide documentation to support their visa applications.
For further information and to apply, please visit the official BKC Fellowship Application page.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Harvard Law School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics in its fellowship programs or activities.
The Berkman Klein Center offers a unique opportunity for individuals to advance their research and career while contributing to the future of digital society. If you are passionate about solving complex challenges in the digital realm and want to collaborate with a global network of experts, apply today!
