The Harvard Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, is accepting applications for the Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028, a prestigious residential fellowship for scholars researching “Italy in the World” during the Renaissance.
The Berenson Fellowship reflects the vision of renowned art historian Bernard Berenson, who advocated for a geographically expansive understanding of the Renaissance and its connections across cultures. The fellowship encourages innovative scholarship examining how Italy interacted with diverse societies, ideas, artistic traditions and intellectual movements across the early modern world.
Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Architecture
- Art history and visual arts
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Music
- History of science
Made possible by The Lila Wallace–Reader’s Digest Fund, the fellowship supports original research exploring the transnational connections between Italy and other regions — including Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, Latin America and beyond — during the Renaissance, broadly defined as the 14th to 17th centuries.
Successful fellows will receive:
- USD 5,200 per month stipend.
- A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
- A 4- or 6-month residential fellowship in Florence, Italy.
- Full access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week.
- A personal desk or library carrel for research.
- Complimentary weekday lunches with the scholarly community.
- Participation in conferences, lectures, concerts and selected academic events hosted by Villa I Tatti.
When available, fellows may also receive rent-free accommodation, with responsibility only for utility costs. If on-site housing is unavailable, Villa I Tatti provides a housing subsidy to help offset rental expenses.
Applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Hold a completed PhD (certificate required).
- Not be enrolled in a second PhD programme.
- Conduct research in one of the academic fields supported by Villa I Tatti.
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency.
- Have familiarity with the Italian language.
- Be able to conduct the majority of their research in Florence.
- Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars, although applications are welcomed from qualified researchers worldwide.
Applicants may indicate their preferred residency period, either to begin at Fall Term: September to December or Winter–Spring Term: January to June. Each fellowship lasts either four or six months, depending on the approved appointment. Applications may be submitted in English or Italian through the online application system.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Scan of PhD certificate.
- Any additional supporting materials requested by Villa I Tatti.
- Candidates may apply for only one I Tatti fellowship during a single academic year.
Applicants must arrange for two academic referees who are familiar with their scholarly work to submit confidential recommendation letters electronically. Recommendations may be written in either English or Italian. Applicants are encouraged to register their referees as early as possible to ensure timely submission.
Click the link to apply
https://itatti.harvard.edu/berenson-fellowship
Author
Paul Olayioye
