Harvard University Berkman Klein Fellowship 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
If you're passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and society, applications are now open for the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society's 2025-2026 Fellowship Program at Harvard University. This prestigious program offers scholars and practitioners the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration on pressing issues in the digital realm. All you need to know in this article.
Berkman Klein Fellowship Summary
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Host Institution: Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University
Target Group: Academics, post-doctoral researchers, and experienced practitioners
Fields of Focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, social media safety, university discourse, and related areas
Value & Coverage: Stipends up to $75,000 annually; access to Harvard's resources
Duration: 1 Year
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Eligible to Apply: Full-time faculty members, recent Ph.D. graduates, and accomplished practitioners
Berkman Klein Fellowship Overview
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship Program is designed to foster a collaborative community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to understanding and shaping the impact of the internet on society. For the 2025-2026 academic year, fellows will engage in one of five topical workstreams:
AI Interpretability Ethics and Implications
Agentic AI Protocols and Risk Mitigations
Artificial General Intelligence Futurecasting and Policy Development
Tech, Tools, and Practices for Improving University Discourse
Safety Solutions for Social Media
Fellows will collaborate with Harvard faculty, staff, students, and a global network of experts to develop projects, tools, events, and publications addressing these critical areas. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach, encouraging fellows to co-develop events, publish policy insights, and create prototypes that contribute to public understanding and policy development.
Berkman Klein Fellowship Types
The Berkman Klein Center Fellowship Program offers three distinct types of fellowships to accommodate scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Each category is designed to support professionals at different career stages, whether in academia, research, or industry.
1. Academic Fellows
This category is designed for full-time faculty members, including assistant, associate, or full professors, who are actively engaged in research related to artificial intelligence (AI), social media, networked communication, and related areas. Academic Fellows are expected to bring their expertise to the program while benefiting from Harvard’s interdisciplinary research environment.
Who can apply?
Tenured or tenure-track faculty at universities worldwide.
Researchers whose work aligns with one of the five focus areas.
2. Post-Doctoral Fellows
This fellowship is designed for recent Ph.D. graduates (typically within the last five years) who are conducting research in AI ethics, social media governance, or related fields. It provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to further develop their work within a vibrant academic environment.
Who can apply?
Scholars who have recently earned their Ph.D.
Researchers working on projects that align with the program’s thematic workstreams.
3. Non-Academic Fellows (Practitioners & Industry Experts)
This category is designed for experienced professionals and practitioners working in AI, technology policy, media, or digital governance. These fellows bring practical insights into the program, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications.
Who can apply?
Industry professionals with significant expertise in AI governance, social media, or digital ethics.
Policy experts, legal professionals, or technologists working on internet and society issues.
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support: Stipends up to $75,000 annually for fellows on unpaid leave or without external funding. Those with external funding may receive a supplemental stipend of $10,000.
Resources: Access to Harvard's libraries, research facilities, and the opportunity to audit classes.
Community Engagement: Participation in a vibrant intellectual community, with opportunities to engage in workshops, research sessions, and collaborative projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Fellows: Full-time faculty members (assistant, associate, or full professors) from any discipline with a focus on AI or social media and networked communication.
Post-Doctoral Fellows: Recent Ph.D. graduates whose research engages deeply with AI or social media topics.
Non-Academic Fellows: Experienced practitioners with significant expertise related to AI or social media and networked communication.
All fellows are expected to be in residence in Cambridge, MA, from September 2025 through May 2026, working from the Berkman Klein Center’s offices on the Harvard Law School campus.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following materials through the online application portal:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter (1-2 pages): Indicate interest in a specific workstream and share relevant background.
Project Proposal (2-3 pages): Outline a past project or propose a new project aligned with the chosen workstream.
Work Samples (1-3): Demonstrate relevant work and contributions.
Applications must be submitted through the Berkman Klein Application Tracker by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Detailed application instructions and the submission portal can be found on the Berkman Klein Center's website.
Additional Information:
Applicants are responsible for arranging their stay in Cambridge and must ensure their immigration status allows for the receipt of a stipend, if applicable. Fellows may be responsible for tax reporting on their stipends. For more details on financial support, residency requirements, and application instructions, please visit the Berkman Klein Center's official fellowship page.
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