I Tatti Residential Fellowships 2026-2027 at Harvard University – Applications Now Open

If you are a scholar in the early stages of your post-doctoral career, with a passion for the Italian Renaissance and transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures, the I Tatti Residential Fellowships are now open for applications. These fellowships offer a full year of research with generous support and access to Harvard’s resources, housed in beautiful Florence, through the Harvard Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Florence, Italy (Villa I Tatti, Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies)

• Host Institution: Harvard University, Center for Italian Renaissance Studies (I Tatti)

• Level: Postdoctoral research / early career scholars (PhD already obtained)

• Target Group: Scholars from any nation who have received a PhD between 1 January 2015 and 1 September 2025; who are working in Italian Renaissance studies, broadly defined.

• Fields of Focus:

  • Any aspect of Italian Renaissance (14th – 17th centuries), including art, architecture, literature, history, material culture, music and performance, philosophy, religion, science.

  • Projects involving transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian, etc.)

  • Transmission and circulation of ideas, objects, people; historiography of the Renaissance; broader global or cultural contexts.

• Value & Coverage:

  • Grant of USD 65,000 for the 12-month fellowship period.

  • Supplement toward relocation expenses.

  • Housing: Apartments on the I Tatti property rent-free (utilities charged) if available; otherwise a housing subsidy to offset rental costs.

  • Other privileges: use of the Biblioteca Berenson library and its holdings; lunches on weekdays; participation in seminars, workshops, lectures, cultural tours/events.

• Duration: 12 months (runs from 1 July to 30 June)

• Application Deadline: 15 October 2025 (by midnight, Cambridge, MA time)

• Start Date: July 1, 2026

• Eligible To: Scholars (all nationalities) who have a PhD (or equivalent) earned between 1 January 2015 and 1 September 2025; conversant in English or Italian; with strong background in Italian Renaissance studies; not currently working toward a second PhD.

🧭 Fellowship Overview

• The fellowship is residential, meaning Fellows must live in or near the Florence area during the fellowship year.

• Fellows are expected to be present at Villa I Tatti and join for lunch at least three days a week, starting early September.

• Full-time commitment: Fellows must have full academic leave from home institutions, and not engage in other professional obligations (paid or unpaid). Absences longer than a week require approval.

• Research must be possible to carry out principally in Florence using I Tatti's and local resources. Preliminary work should be completed; preference given to projects ready for rigorous research.

• Fellows are expected to participate in the intellectual life of the center: seminars, workshops, exploratory meetings, tours, lectures, cultural events; and to present their project in progress in September for feedback from the multidisciplinary community.

🎁 Benefits

• Generous stipend of USD 65,000 for the year plus relocation aid.

• Accommodation: possibly free apartment on I Tatti estate or a housing subsidy.

• Full access to the Biblioteca Berenson and Harvard Library system’s wide resources (books, periodicals, manuscripts, photographs, digital media).

• Participation in a vibrant research community: seminars, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, tours, concerts. Feedback on in-progress work.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• PhD (or equivalent) obtained between January 1, 2015 and September 1, 2025; candidates with two doctorates must meet the date requirement on the later degree.

• Professing fluency or understanding in English or Italian.

• Solid background in Italian Renaissance studies.

• Not pursuing a second PhD at the time of application.

• The research project must be feasible with resources available in Florence; preliminary work should already be done.

• Note: One of the fellowships is designated (via the Florence Gould Foundation) for scholars who either work on a Franco-Italian topic, reside in France, or are French citizens. Indicate if this applies.

📝 Application Procedure

• How to Apply: Applications are submitted electronically (online submission) by midnight (Cambridge, MA time), October 15, 2025.

• Applications may be in English or Italian.

• Letters of recommendation: Two scholars who know the applicant's work must submit letters online by October 20, 2025. Applicants should register their referees early.

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Fellowships are not renewable. Scholars may apply only for one type of I Tatti fellowship per academic year.

• Visa, health coverage, and if needed, permits are the responsibility of the Fellow, including for accompanying family.

• If an apartment on I Tatti property is not available, rental subsidy helps offset living costs. Utilities may still be charged even for I Tatti apartments.

• The application info page notes that details for the 2026-2027 cycle will be updated after August 15 on I Tatti’s website.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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