Wallace Fellowships 2027-2028 at Harvard University: Explore Renaissance Impact

Harvard University is inviting scholars to apply for the Wallace Fellowships for the 2027-2028 academic year. This funded opportunity is for researchers focusing on the historiography and impact of the Italian Renaissance in the modern era, specifically from the 19th to 21st centuries. It offers a chance to conduct in-depth research with access to significant scholarly resources.

Application Closing Date: November 16, 2026
Location: Florence, Italy (residential)
Programme Duration: 4 or 6 months
Stipend: USD $5,200 per month, plus a relocation supplement
Minimum Qualification: PhD in hand
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the Wallace Fellowships

The Wallace Fellowships are designed to support scholars who are examining the history and influence of the Italian Renaissance on the modern world. This includes exploring how the Renaissance has been studied over time and its lasting effects on various fields. The fellowships are made possible by a grant from The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund.

Projects can cover a wide range of topics. These include the study of historical writings about the Renaissance, its reception and transformation in later periods, and its connections to modernity. Scholars can also explore the history of collecting and museums, as well as the survival of Renaissance ideas in modern art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy, and political thought.

I Tatti, the Harvard University center where the fellowships are based, provides fellows with dedicated time for their research. It offers a supportive environment with access to extensive scholarly resources, distinguishing it from other institutions. Fellows are expected to participate in organized activities, conferences, lectures, and concerts at I Tatti, becoming part of a vibrant academic community.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Harvard is renowned for its academic excellence across a wide array of disciplines and its significant contributions to research and scholarship worldwide.

The university comprises eleven academic faculties, including Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Its extensive libraries, museums, and research centers provide unparalleled resources for students and scholars. Harvard is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for its teaching, research, and impact.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The Wallace Fellowships support research projects that explore the historiography or impact of the Italian Renaissance on the modern era. Specific areas of focus include:

• Historiography of the Italian Renaissance
• Impact of the Renaissance on modern art and architecture
• Renaissance influence on literature and music
• Renaissance connections to philosophy and political thought
• Museum and collecting history related to the Renaissance
• Survival of Renaissance ideas in modern culture

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from a funded research period at I Tatti, Harvard University’s center in Florence. The fellowship provides:

• A monthly stipend of USD $5,200 to support living expenses.
• A one-time supplement of up to USD $1,800 for relocation costs.
• Access to a rent-free apartment at I Tatti, with utilities covered, or a housing subsidy if an apartment is unavailable.
• A minimum of obligations and interruptions, allowing for focused research.
• Access to a maximum of scholarly resources, including libraries and archives.
• Inclusion in the academic community through conferences, lectures, and concerts.
• Opportunities for professional development and scholarly exchange.

Programme Duration and Location

The Wallace Fellowships are residential and last for either 4 or 6 months. Fellows are required to live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the I Tatti center. This immersive experience in Florence allows for direct engagement with research materials and the scholarly community.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Wallace Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD in hand at the time of application. A scan of the PhD certificate must be uploaded.
• Not be working on a second PhD during the fellowship period.
• Focus solely on the proposed research project and not engage in editing other book or article projects simultaneously.
• Be proficient in English and have a working knowledge of Italian.
• Priority will be given to early and mid-career scholars.
• The proposed research project must be primarily executable in Florence.
• Applicants should not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, the nature of the fellowship suggests certain competencies are beneficial:

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with Italian language and culture.
• A deep interest in the Italian Renaissance and its modern impact.
• Willingness to engage with the academic community at I Tatti.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for scholars who have completed their PhD and are looking to dedicate focused time to research on the Italian Renaissance and its modern relevance. It is particularly suited for early and mid-career academics who may not have easy access to extensive research facilities in Italy. If you are passionate about exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Renaissance and wish to immerse yourself in a scholarly environment, this opportunity is for you.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A scan of the PhD certificate.
• A detailed research proposal outlining the project’s scope, methodology, and relevance to the fellowship’s focus.
• Proof of English proficiency and familiarity with Italian.
• Any other documents requested on the application portal.

How to Apply

Applications for the Wallace Fellowships must be submitted electronically. Scholars can apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.

Click here to apply for the Wallace Fellowships.

Applications can be written in either English or Italian and must be submitted by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 16, 2026. Ensure all required documents are uploaded and all personal details are entered correctly before submitting.

For more information, visit the official Wallace Fellowships website.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline of November 16, 2026.
• Ensure your research proposal clearly aligns with the fellowship’s focus on the Renaissance in the modern era.
• Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Wallace Fellowships 2027-2028 is November 16, 2026.

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