Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Fellows Program

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University brings expert practitioners in urban problem-solving and government innovation to Harvard for a semester to advance a project that can strengthen local government and city leadership. Fellows stay based in their home communities and come to Cambridge, Massachusetts three times during the semester, working with faculty, students, scholars and practitioners.

What you get:

• Travel and accommodation covered for the three required campus visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Access to Harvard faculty, students, scholars and the Center's research, community and networks to strengthen your project
• Opportunities to join Center events and explore deeper collaboration, including research or multi-semester engagement

What you'll do:

• Advance an independent project on a specific urban challenge, such as research, practical guides, convenings, or new initiatives and networks
• Attend an orientation at the start of term, mid-semester meetings with faculty and students, and an end-of-semester session sharing progress
• Lead one cohort-based student study group session and hold virtual office hours with students
• Take part in Center events and contribute to agreed Center initiatives

Key dates:

• Applications close December 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
• Shortlisted applicants are interviewed before final selection

What you get:

• Travel and accommodation covered for the three required campus visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Access to Harvard faculty, students, scholars and the Center's research, community and networks
• Opportunities to join Center events and explore deeper collaboration, including research or multi-semester engagement

What you'll do:

• Advance an independent project on a specific urban challenge
• Attend start of term, mid-semester and end of semester sessions at Harvard
• Lead one student study group session and hold virtual office hours
• Take part in Center events and initiatives

Key dates:

• Applications close December 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
• Shortlisted applicants are interviewed before final selections

More information:

• Questions go to Isabel Mejia Fontanot at isabel_mejiafontanot@harvard.edu (named on the application form)

• A demonstrated record of designing, leading, testing, implementing or evaluating solutions to complex urban challenges
• A specific, feasible project that addresses an important urban challenge and can benefit local governments, city leaders or residents
• Current and former mayors are not eligible
• Applicants with prior government experience must have left their most recent government role at least 18 months before applying
• The program is not for advancing a private business or commercial product
• Submit a project proposal, an engagement plan, a CV or resume, and two professional or academic references
• Minimum commitment of one semester, including three visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts