The Carr Center Fellowship offers an affiliation that supports fellows in developing research, writing, and intellectual collaboration. Fellows engage with Harvard faculty, access learning resources, and may lead study groups for students. This fellowship is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant community where fellows collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to human rights. The fellowship is primarily non-residential, though limited shared office space may be available for those interested in residing in Cambridge.
The Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-2026 Fellowship are now open! This unique, year-long fellowship invites emerging and established scholars, practitioners, and human rights leaders to join an intellectual community dedicated to advancing human rights through research, scholarship, and practice.
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Fellowship Structure and Expectations
- Term: One academic year (September 1 – June 30)
- Affiliation Activities: Research, writing, leading study groups, participating in seminars, public lectures, workshops, and more
- Eligibility: Open to post-docs, scholars, human rights defenders, senior leaders in international organizations, and heads of human rights organizations. Both emerging and established professionals are encouraged to apply.
- Non-Paid Affiliation: This is an unpaid affiliation; fellows are expected to secure external funding from their employers, institutions, or grants.
Application Requirements
Applications are due by Sunday, January 5, 2025, and should include the following:
- Resume/CV
- Research Proposal (up to 3 pages), including how your work aligns with the Carr Center’s priorities and specific faculty collaborations
- Executive Summary (up to 200 words)
- References: Contact information for two individuals who can speak to your research abilities and qualifications
- Writing Sample (up to 10 pages)
- Publication List: Links to or attachments of up to 3 relevant publications or comparable work
This fellowship offers a chance to build intellectual partnerships and participate actively in the Carr Center’s public lectures, conferences, and workshops. It is an excellent opportunity for human rights professionals to deepen their research, expand their network, and contribute to the growing body of human rights knowledge and policy.
If you are passionate about advancing human rights and seeking a supportive environment for your research, we invite you to apply for the Carr Center Fellowship and join a dedicated cohort of human rights champions. Please note that this fellowship does not lead to faculty or staff positions at Harvard Kennedy School. All applications are reviewed by the Dean.
Apply now to be a part of this transformative opportunity at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
Carr Center Fellowship
The Carr Center welcomes applications from individuals seeking to affiliate for a year as Carr Center Fellows. Fellows can focus on research and writing, auditing classes, meeting faculty and other experts, leading study groups for students, and participating in other learning opportunities at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Learn more about the Carr Center Fellowship.
Racial Justice Fellowship
The Racial Justice Program focuses on reimagining systems, institutions, and movements to promote racial and economic equity for all. We seek to attract a diverse group of fellows from different disciplines and sectors (academia, business, technology, civil society, human rights organizations, public interest technologists, and independent researchers and practitioners) who would like to design and develop a research project salient to their own expertise and the research priorities of the Center.
Learn more about the Racial Justice Fellowship.
Technology & Human Rights Fellowship
The Carr Center’s Technology and Human Rights Fellowship is a key initiative exploring how technological progress will shape the future of human life and impact human rights protections. The 2025–2026 Technology & Human Rights Fellowship cohort will be composed of scholars and practitioners who work on the theme of “Surveillance Capitalism or Democracy: Who Knows, Who Decides?” This fellowship is jointly directed by Mathias Risse and Shoshana Zuboff.
