Applications are now open for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027,. It is 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.
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Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program Details
- Host : Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University
- Scholarship coverage: Funded
- Degree: Research
- Deadline: 1st December 2026
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.
Research areas are given below
- 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
Program Benefits
Benefits include:
- Residency at Harvard University for one semester or one academic year
- 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
Scholar Responsibilities
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
Eligibility Requirements
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.
Application Requirements
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.
How to Apply?
Interested researchers must complete the official application and submit a detailed research proposal through the Bloomberg Center for Cities application portal.

