Visiting Scholars Program

The Visiting Scholar Program offers comprehensive research, training and professional development opportunities for both junior and senior scholars whose research relates to Russia and/or Eurasia.

Benefits 

  • Full access and borrowing privileges to Harvard's library facilities, including electronic resources; 
  • Special invitations to visitors-only events and other closed event opportunities; 
  • The opportunity to audit Harvard courses;
    • Auditing is at the discretion of the course instructor 
  • The opportunity to present research in the New Research Workshop and receive feedback from colleagues and faculty on works-in-progress; 
  • The opportunity to participate in Davis Center programming including seminars, conferences, and other academic activities;  
  • In some cases, scholars may receive shared office space at the Davis Center. 

Eligibility 

  • Research proposals must focus on topics related to Russia and/or Eurasia;
    • The Davis Center defines "Eurasia" as consisting of the following regions: the Baltics, Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia 
  • Applicants must be able to commit to a fellowship of no less than three months and no more than twelve months. Fellowships correspond with Harvard’s academic calendar, either for the fall semester (September 1-December 31), spring semester (January 1-May 31), or for one full academic year (September 1 - May 31). Fellowships for less than three months will not be considered; 
  • All positions are unpaid and are ineligible for Harvard employee benefits. Applicants are required to secure external funding and health insurance independently. Only scholars who have confirmed funding will be considered; 
  • Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply. 

How to Apply

Applications for AY 2026-2027 will open in mid-to-late November 2025. Please check back later for the application link.

 

Current Visitors

Learn more about the current academic year's cohort of visiting scholarsfellows, and postdocs.

Related Insights

One year ago this week, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navanly died, at age 47, under murky circumstances in a prison in the Russian Arctic. His friend Yevgenia Albats, a Davis Center visiting scholar, pays tribute to his life and work.

We’re delighted to welcome scholars from around the world to our campus community. Meet the in-residence visitors who will be joining the Davis Center this academic year.

Join us this fall as journalist and political scientist Yevgenia Albats brings her signature style to conversations with top academics and analysts, probing Russia's impact on international peace and stability.

Related Events

Past Event

Join Natia Seskuria for a discussion on anti-Western disinformation campaigns in Georgia and its implications for Georgia’s democratic future.

Past Event

Come hear key findings from a unique comparison of institutional reforms enacted or proposed by elites, opposition groups, and other actors in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Moldova.

Past Event

"Hive" tells the powerful true story of Fahrije, a woman living in post-war Kosovo who, after the disappearance of her husband during the war, struggles to provide for her family in a patriarchal village still reeling from loss.