Apply for the Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028 at Villa I Tatti, Harvard University's Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy. This funded residential fellowship supports PhD scholars researching "Italy in the World" - transnational Renaissance dialogues between Italy and other cultures (Latin America, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, and beyond). Stipend: USD $5,200 per month plus up to $1,800 relocation support. Applications close 16 November 2026 (midnight Cambridge, MA time).
Fellowships run 4 or 6 months in residence at I Tatti. Up to four awards are granted annually. Fellows gain access to the Biblioteca Berenson, Harvard library resources, and a vibrant scholarly community in Florence.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official I Tatti Berenson Fellowship page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028 |
| Host | Villa I Tatti - Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies |
| Location | Florence, Italy (residential) |
| Duration | 4 or 6 months |
| Awards | Up to 4 fellowships per year |
| Stipend | USD $5,200/month + up to $1,800 relocation supplement |
| Research focus | "Italy in the World" - Renaissance transnational connections (14th - 17th centuries) |
| Deadline | 16 November 2026, midnight Cambridge, MA time |
| Recommendations | 21 November 2026 (two letters) |
| Official page | itatti.harvard.edu/berenson-fellowship |
| Apply | I Tatti SlideRoom application portal |
What Is the Berenson Fellowship?
Named after Bernard Berenson and supported by The Lila Wallace - Reader's Digest Fund, the Berenson Fellowship encourages a geographically expansive approach to the early modern world. Projects should explore transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance (broadly the 14th - 17th centuries).
I Tatti offers Fellows dedicated research time with minimal obligations, access to world-class library collections, and participation in lectures, seminars, and the intellectual life of the Center.
Fellowship Benefits
- USD $5,200 per month stipend
- One-time relocation supplement up to USD $1,800
- Residential fellowship at Villa I Tatti in Florence (4 or 6 months)
- Access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week and Harvard Library electronic resources
- Study space, weekday lunches with appointees, and participation in I Tatti scholarly events
- When available, a rent-free apartment on the I Tatti property (utilities charged); otherwise a housing subsidy
- Special consideration for scholars without regular access to Italian research facilities
Fellows must live in the Florence area and be present at the Villa at least three days per week.
Who Can Apply
- PhD in hand at time of application (scan of certificate required)
- Not working on a second PhD at time of application
- Research project on "Italy in the World" - transnational Renaissance connections
- Fields: architecture, arts, history, philosophy, literature, music, history of science, and related disciplines
- Conversant in English with familiarity in Italian
- Priority for early- and mid-career scholars
- Most research must be feasible in Florence
- Open to scholars from all nations
- Work solely on the proposed project during the fellowship (no simultaneous book/article editing)
- May apply for only one I Tatti fellowship type per academic year
How to Apply
- Read the full description on I Tatti - Berenson Fellowship.
- Prepare your research proposal, academic CV, and PhD certificate scan.
- Register two academic referees early in the SlideRoom system.
- Submit via the official I Tatti SlideRoom portal before 16 November 2026, midnight Cambridge, MA time.
- Ensure referees submit two recommendation letters by 21 November 2026 (English or Italian).
Applications may be written in English or Italian.
Required Documents
- Completed online application (SlideRoom)
- Research project proposal
- Academic curriculum vitae
- Scan of PhD certificate
- Two recommendation letters from scholars who know your work (due 21 November 2026)
Official Links
Apply - Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028 (SlideRoom)
Programme overview - I Tatti Berenson Fellowship
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- George Washington Presidential Library Research Fellowships 2027 - 2028
- Chatham House PhD Placement 2026
- University of Michigan UMAPS 2027 - 2028
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Traineeship Programme 2026
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028
What is the monthly stipend?
USD $5,200 per month, plus up to $1,800 toward relocation expenses.
When is the deadline?
16 November 2026 at midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time. Recommendation letters are due 21 November 2026.
How long is the fellowship?
4 or 6 months in residence at Villa I Tatti, Florence.
Do I need a PhD?
Yes. You must hold a PhD at the time of application and upload a certificate scan.
Can scholars from Africa or Asia apply?
Yes. I Tatti welcomes applicants from all nations and gives special consideration to those without regular access to Italian research materials.
What research topics fit?
Projects addressing transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance - e.g. Mediterranean, African, Asian, or Latin American connections (14th - 17th centuries).
Can I apply to multiple I Tatti fellowships?
No. You may apply for only one I Tatti fellowship type per academic year.
