Harvard University

The Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships 2026–2027 offer one of the world’s most prestigious research opportunities for scholars specializing in the Italian Renaissance, art history, cultural heritage, and related humanities disciplines. Hosted at Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy, the fellowship welcomes outstanding researchers from around the globe to pursue advanced research in an intellectually stimulating environment.

Situated in the heart of Florence, Villa I Tatti combines Harvard University’s academic excellence with Italy’s extraordinary historical and artistic heritage. Fellows benefit from access to exceptional libraries, archives, museums, and an international community of leading scholars, making it an ideal destination for interdisciplinary Renaissance research.

Fellowship Overview

Research Fields Supported

The Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships support research across a broad range of humanities disciplines connected to the Italian Renaissance.

Eligible Areas of Research

• Italian Renaissance Studies
• Art History
• Cultural History
• Intellectual History
• Digital Humanities
• Conservation and Restoration
• Cultural Heritage Studies
• Mediterranean and Global Cultural Exchange

Researchers working on interdisciplinary projects that examine the Renaissance from global, comparative, or cross-cultural perspectives are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

The Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships 2026–2027 are fully funded and provide generous financial and academic support throughout the fellowship period.

Financial Support

• Monthly stipend or salary replacement
• Financial support for eligible fellowship programs
• Travel assistance for selected joint fellowships

Academic Benefits

• Office space at Villa I Tatti
• Access to Harvard University’s extensive library collections
• Use of specialized research archives and digital resources
• Collaboration with internationally recognized scholars
• Participation in seminars, workshops, and academic discussions

Living Benefits

• Accommodation arrangements at or through Villa I Tatti
• Opportunity to live and conduct research in Florence, one of the world’s leading centers for Renaissance history and art

Harvard University I Tatti Fellowship Programs 2026–2027

I Tatti Fellowship (12 Months)

Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

This flagship fellowship supports postdoctoral scholars researching any aspect of the Italian Renaissance between the 14th and 17th centuries. Projects examining connections between Italy and regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are welcome.

Wallace Fellowship (4 or 6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Designed for scholars studying how the Italian Renaissance has been interpreted, remembered, and studied from the nineteenth century to the present day.

Berenson Fellowship (4 or 6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Supports research under the theme “Italy in the World,” focusing on international cultural exchange and the Renaissance’s global influence.

Digital Humanities Fellowship (4 or 6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Encourages innovative projects that integrate digital technologies with Renaissance studies, archives, mapping, databases, or digital scholarship.

Craig Hugh Smyth Fellowship (4 or 6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Intended for museum professionals, art historians, conservators, and restoration experts conducting research in Renaissance art and cultural heritage.

David and Julie Tobey Fellowship (4 or 6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Supports research focusing on Renaissance drawings, illustrated manuscripts, engravings, prints, and related visual materials.

Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship in African Studies (6 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Designed for scholars researching historical and cultural interactions between Africa and the Mediterranean during the Renaissance period.

I Tatti / Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship (10 Months)

Application Deadline: November 1, 2025

Researchers spend one academic term in Florence and another in Washington, D.C., studying cross-cultural interactions across the medieval and early modern Mediterranean world.

Warburg / I Tatti Joint Fellowship (10 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

A joint program allowing scholars to conduct research in both London and Florence while exploring global intellectual and artistic exchange.

I Tatti / Museo Nacional del Prado Joint Fellowship (9 Months)

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Created for art historians examining artistic and cultural connections between Italy and Spain. Fellows divide their research between Madrid and Florence.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements for their chosen fellowship program.

Academic Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent terminal degree before the application deadline.
• Demonstrate a strong academic record in Renaissance-related research.
• Submit an original research proposal aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.

Applicant Requirements

• Open to applicants from all countries.
• Early-career, mid-career, and experienced scholars may apply depending on the fellowship.
• Applicants should possess sufficient research experience in their selected field.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application.

Required Application Materials

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing Sample or Published Research
• Letters of Recommendation
• Additional documents required for specific fellowship programs

Always review the official fellowship page to confirm the document requirements for your selected program.

How to Apply for Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships 2026–2027

The application process is completed online through the official Villa I Tatti website.

Step 1

Visit the official Harvard Villa I Tatti fellowship portal.

Step 2

Review all fellowship categories and choose the program that best matches your research interests.

Step 3

Prepare and upload all required application documents.

Step 4

Submit your application before the deadline applicable to your selected fellowship.

Why Choose the Harvard University I Tatti Fellowship?

The Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships are internationally recognized for supporting groundbreaking research in Renaissance studies. Beyond financial support, fellows become part of a distinguished scholarly community with direct access to Florence’s museums, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions.

For researchers interested in art history, cultural heritage, digital humanities, or Renaissance studies, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to strengthen academic expertise while collaborating with experts from around the world.

Application Deadline

Different fellowship programs have separate deadlines.

• October 15, 2025: I Tatti Fellowship (12 Months)
• November 1, 2025: I Tatti / Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship
• November 15, 2025: Most remaining fellowship programs

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals and supporting documents well before the deadline.