Summer Travel & Research Grants

Harvard graduate students can apply for funding to support research travel to the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe during the summer and academic year. 

Research, Travel, and Internship Grants

The Davis Center offers grants to Harvard graduate students for research travel and/or internships to the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe. The maximum stipend is $5,000 and can be used during the summer or academic year.

New opportunity for research travel to Georgia 

The Davis Center encourages graduate student research in Georgia by offering two $5,000 research travel grants for use during summer 2023 or academic year 2023-2024. These grants are competitive and extend to all disciplines, including STEM and the Arts. Students are expected to present the results of their work to the Harvard community after they return to campus. If you wish to apply to this opportunity, please indicate this in your proposal.

Eligibility

The competition is open to Harvard doctoral and master’s candidates. Funding priority is given to doctoral candidates in the humanities or social sciences, as well as to first-year master’s degree candidates in the program in Regional Studies: Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (REECA).

Application

Applications for summer 2023 and the 2023–24 academic year are due by Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:59pm EST.

Please apply using the FAS Common Application for Research and Travel (CARAT).

All proposals must include alternate plans that cover the possibility that research or internships may not be possible as originally conceived. Alternate proposal plans may include domestic travel in the United States, language study, and/or virtual research opportunities that do not involve travel. All proposals must include a detailed plan and corresponding budget.  

Directions

  • In CARAT, select the grant "Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies Graduate Research Travel Grant." 
  • Arrange for one letter of recommendation to be uploaded to CARAT directly.
  • Include a current printed grade report from the Registrar’s Office (an official transcript is not necessary). To access and print your grade report, go to http://my.harvard.edu and sign in. Click on "Campus Resources." Under "FAS Academics," click on "Online Student Record."
  • Have questions about the application or about research travel in the region? Contact Kate Flaherty.

COVID-19 Update

Please consult Harvard's Travel Guidance web page for updates about Harvard-related travel.

Visas to the Russian Federation

If you are traveling to Russia to conduct archival or interview-based research, you must secure an appropriate visa type for research through an academic institution in Russia. Tourist visas are not appropriate for research activity in Russia. 

If you require visa support and do not have a working relationship with an academic institution in Russia, please reach out to Kate Flaherty, Research Programs Coordinator, as soon as you begin planning for your research trip.

Plan Ahead

From start to finish, it could take up to 4 months to receive your visa. The process is complicated and unexpected issues can arise. Additionally, visa rules and processes can change without notice. If you require visa assistance through the Davis Center, you should plan to submit documentation as soon as you begin planning for your research trip.

For example, if you plan to travel in the middle of May and you require visa assistance through the Davis Center, please contact Kate Flaherty by the beginning of February to ensure your timely travel.