Applications are open for the Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027 - an inaugural research residency at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University for scholars advancing urban problem-solving, city leadership, innovation, and evidence-based governance.

Apply by 28 October 2026. Selected scholars are notified in February 2027. Residencies run for one semester or a full academic year in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Bloomberg Center for Cities programme page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.

Quick Facts - Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars 2027

Detail	Information
Programme	Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program (inaugural year)
Host	Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University (Cambridge, USA)
Residency	One semester or one full academic year in residence
Support	Housing near Harvard + financial assistance (e.g. course buyout arrangements)
Visa	Center anticipates sponsoring visas subject to institutional policy
Who applies	Researchers with a Ph.D. (or comparable terminal research degree) and a current faculty/research appointment
Applications open	16 September 2026
Deadline	28 October 2026
Selection notice	February 2027
Official page	Bloomberg Center for Cities - Visiting Scholars

About the Programme

The programme supports rigorous, policy-relevant research on urban problem-solving and city leadership. Selected applicants are appointed as Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars and spend their residency advancing a specific research project while engaging the Center’s intellectual community. The Center aims to build a lasting collaborative community whose work informs the practice of city leadership.

Projects should strengthen cities’ and city leaders’ capacity to deliver results - with interest in areas such as mayoral leadership and management, high-performing teams, organizational innovation capabilities, evidence-based policy delivery, data and AI for decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration.

Benefits

Protected research time in residence at Harvard’s Bloomberg Center for Cities
Housing near Harvard University
Financial assistance that may support course buyout or reduced home-institution duties during residency
Opportunity to host a research seminar each semester, convene a student study group, and organize a community event
Anticipated visa sponsorship for selected international scholars (subject to policy and circumstances)
Appointment as a Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholar

Eligibility

Hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or comparable terminal research degree)
At application, hold a current faculty or research appointment at a degree-granting university or recognized research institution
Research aligned with the Bloomberg Center for Cities mission (urban problem-solving and city leadership)
Open to a range of disciplines and career stages

Research Proposal Requirements

Submit a proposal for the specific project you will pursue during residency. It should clearly articulate:

The urban problem or city leadership challenge addressed
Research question(s) and underlying theory/theories
Research design and methodological approach
Significance for scholarship and practice
Envisioned outputs and potential impacts

Applicants may be invited to interview with the selection committee before formal appointment.

Selection Criteria

Clarity and significance of the research problem
Strength of the research design
Potential contribution to scholarship and urban problem-solving practice
Alignment with the Center’s mission and thematic interests

How to Apply

Review the official programme page for full requirements and timeline.
Prepare your research proposal covering the elements above.
Submit via the official application form by 28 October 2026.
Await selection notice in February 2027.

Official Links

Programme overview - Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars

Official application form (Airtable)

Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard

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FAQs - Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program

When is the application deadline?

28 October 2026. Applications opened 16 September 2026; selection notices go out in February 2027.

How long is the residency?

Scholars may spend either one semester or one full academic year in residence at Harvard.

What support is provided?

Housing near Harvard plus financial assistance that may enable course buyout or similar arrangements so scholars can focus on research.

Who is eligible?

Researchers with a Ph.D. (or comparable terminal research degree) who currently hold a faculty or research appointment at a university or recognized research institution.

Where do I apply?

Through the official Bloomberg Center application form linked from the programme page.

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Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Scholars Program 2027