Harvard University’s highly esteemed and multidisciplinary Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society Fellowship Program is intended for academics, researchers, and practitioners whose work lies at the nexus of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, law, ethics, and public policy. The fellowship, which is housed at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a cooperative setting that promotes independent, creative, and impact-driven research with the goal of furthering the public good.
Fellows join a worldwide intellectual community that unites professionals from a variety of disciplines, including computer science, social sciences, humanities, law, and policy. The program has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation, giving fellows the chance to interact with influential academics, decision-makers, technologists, and members of civil society. Fellows actively shape discussions on AI governance, digital rights, platform regulation, and emerging technologies through seminars, workshops, and public events.
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship’s emphasis on practical impact is what makes it unique. Fellows are encouraged to turn their research into useful solutions, public discourse, and policy-relevant insights. Participants have unmatched access to Harvard’s intellectual resources, networks, and global reach while working at one of the most powerful academic institutions in the world. This makes the fellowship an outstanding opportunity for individuals looking to impact society and technology in the future.
Host Country: USA
University: Harvard University
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subject: Applied artificial intelligence, Science & Technology, AI Ethics
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded, Domestic Students
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proven experience in one or more areas such as research, public policy, technology development, academia, or civil society work
- Strong interest in AI governance, ethics, law, or the broader social impacts of emerging technologies
- Ability to design and lead an independent research project aligned with the Berkman Klein Center’s mission and priorities
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
For technical research applicants:
- A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with modern AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch or JAX
For non-technical applicants:
- An academic or professional background in law, public policy, social sciences, humanities, journalism, or related fields
- A demonstrated willingness to actively participate in and contribute to the Berkman Klein Center community
Benefits:
- Depending on the chosen financing channel, a 12-month fellowship could receive up to USD 75,000 in total funding, with a monthly salary of up to USD 6,250.
- The chance to do autonomous study at Harvard University
- Complete access to Harvard’s academic resources, research facilities, and libraries
- The Berkman Klein Center’s shared office area for resident fellows
- Active participation in a global network of academics, decision-makers, technologists, and leaders of civil society
- Possibilities to create and disseminate scholarly works of public interest, such as academic research, open-source software, and policy papers
- Harvard University course auditing option, contingent on teacher consent
Deadline: January 31, 2026.
