Democracy Visiting Fellowships
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation invites faculty, doctoral, and postdoctoral students to apply to its Democracy Visiting Fellowship Program and further their research on substantive democratic governance issues.
Eligibility
We are broadly interdisciplinary and invite scholars who use approaches from political theory and philosophy, political science, sociology, law, or history. We are especially interested in drawing scholars whose work focuses on innovations in public participation and political participation in democracies or non-democracies.
The Ash Center is a global and values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. In fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity, we value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values.
Expectations & Benefits
The duration of the fellowship is one academic year, lasting from August 1 through July 31 of the following year. Democracy Visiting Fellows are expected to be in residency during their appointment to participate in required on-campus activities. The main requirement is attendance to a weekly democracy community seminar series, throughout the academic year, make a presentation of your research, and engage in the activities of the Ash Center and Kennedy School more broadly. Where relevant to their work, Fellows may be asked to contribute to the development of other Ash Center research or program activities. Fellows are also expected to attend a mandatory new fellow orientation that will take place during the month of August.
The Democracy Visiting Fellowship carries a modest administration fee, and offers institutional support including physical and online library access, access to Harvard’s electronic resources, and use of our shared fellow study space.
How to Apply
Reimagining fellowship applications for AY2026-27 are now open through January 9, 2026.
