Harvard Visiting Research Scholarship Program in the USA (Funded)

The Harvard Visiting Research Scholarship Program, offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI), provides an opportunity for Harvard faculty to host an international collaborator for a six-week, in-person research residency in Boston, USA. The program aims to strengthen partnerships, foster academic exchange, and advance shared research goals in global health. The residency takes place in April.

This is a fully-funded fellowship. It covers on-campus accommodation for the visiting scholar. Fellows will receive a lump sum stipend to cover logistical expenses, including air tickets, J-1 visa fees, health insurance, and a daily per diem for food.

Applicants must generally hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field; however, exceptional candidates with a master's degree may also be considered. Scholars should have a proven record of collaborative work with their sponsoring Harvard faculty member, demonstrated through publications of peer-reviewed manuscripts, co-developed educational curricula, partnership on policy, or service work. Applicants must be in good standing with their home institution. Candidates must possess an active passport and be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States. Visiting Scholars are expected to live on campus in Boston for the six-week duration and must satisfy visa requirements for English language proficiency. This program is specifically designed to deepen existing collaborations between Harvard faculty and international partners, rather than to initiate new ones, and is intended for peer or near-peer collaborators, not junior mentees.

Required documents include the visiting scholar's Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of their passport, two letters of reference, and any other relevant supporting documentation.

The application process is initiated by a Harvard faculty member. The sponsoring Harvard faculty member must submit a request to sponsor an international partner through the online application form. They will need to provide the visiting scholar's name, country of origin, position in their home country, and the required documents.

Priority may be given to applicants whose faculty sponsors do not have other mechanisms of funding support for visiting scholars. Preference is also given to thematic areas of work aligned with HGHI’s interests, including health equity, climate change and health, infectious diseases, digital transformation, global health financing, health justice, and community engagement.