The Center for African Studies Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is aimed at providing opportunities for postdoctoral candidates to conduct independent research, publish, and increase knowledge in their fields of study that will be beneficial to the African continent and to prepare them to be successful in their chosen career paths. An applicant should have received their PhD (preference will be given to those who completed PhD in past five years) and hold an academic appointment at a university or research institution in Africa. This includes those with a commitment of appointment at the time of application. The fellowship will support the development of a research project at selected Harvard University schools, departments, or laboratories in the field of their choice.
Harvard University Information
Established in 1636, Harvard University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Harvard University (HU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Harvard University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 383 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
The Harvard University Center for African Studies Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is established for African based researchers who intend to continue/return to work in African academia. Fellows will be selected based on academic talent in their fields and will have an opportunity to work on their pedagogical and research skills to further their professional development. Fellows will have completed their respective doctoral programs at institutions from anywhere around the world (preference will be given to those who completed PhD in past five years). PhD holders who currently hold a paid academic appointment, which will be active through the duration of the fellowship period, with any of the following institutions are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have received a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level research degree (preference will be given to those who completed PhD in past five years) in any discipline with strategic interest to the African continent and must hold a paid academic appointment at one of the eligible institutions.
- Applicants who have not yet formally received their degree must present evidence of having completed the academic requirements before commencing the Fellowship.
- Applicants must identify a Harvard faculty mentor to support research and scholarly work; additionally, they should identify a second mentor at their home institution.
- Both mentors are required to submit letters of recommendation during the application process.
- Applicants should have English language proficiency.
- Applicants must have support from their home institutions to pursue an 18-month fellowship appointment, six months of which will be spent in a stipend-supported residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout the fellowship period, fellows will have access to their mentor at both institutions as well as Harvard’s library resources and seminar/conference opportunities.
- Applicants should have an academic appointment at one of the listed eligible universities or include a letter from the institution that such an appointment is forthcoming during the fellowship period.
Established in 1636, Harvard University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Harvard University (HU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Harvard University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 383 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.