The Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 in USA is now accepting applications from eligible researchers and academics. The fellowship offers financial support of up to $90,000 per year. Selected fellows can also receive additional funding for professional development.
The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) manages this prestigious opportunity. It supports research in global health, climate change, and related disciplines. Moreover, fellows gain access to Harvard’s academic community, research networks, and experienced mentors.
Applications opened on 9 November 2026, and the deadline is 3 January 2027. International postdoctoral researchers can apply for the climate and health fellowship. However, the separate Global Health Fellowship is restricted to junior faculty already appointed at Harvard University.
Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 |
| Host Institution | Harvard University |
| Host Country | United States |
| Fellowship Location | Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Fellowship Levels | Postdoctoral researchers and junior Harvard faculty |
| Funding | Up to $90,000 annually, depending on award |
| International Eligibility | Yes, for eligible climate and health applicants |
| Application Deadline | 3 January 2027 |
What Is the Harvard Burke Fellowship?
The Harvard Burke Fellowship supports promising researchers working on important global health challenges.
The program includes two fellowship pathways. Each has different eligibility requirements and financial benefits.
The HGHI-Salata Burke Climate and Health Fellowship supports postdoctoral research for two years. Meanwhile, the HGHI Burke Global Health Fellowship supports junior Harvard faculty for one year.
Both pathways encourage innovative research and collaboration. In addition, fellows can participate in workshops, academic events, and professional networking activities.
Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 Benefits
Harvard offers three main funding categories.
| Fellowship Category | Financial Support | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Climate and Health Research | $90,000 annual salary | 2 years |
| Global Health Research | $90,000 research award | 12 months |
| Global Health Curriculum Development | $30,000 project award | 12 months |
Additional Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may also receive:
- Publication Support: Up to $3,000 for one open-access publication.
- Conference Support: Up to $5,000 for a relevant research conference or networking event.
- Faculty Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Harvard academics.
- Research Opportunities: Time and resources to develop important projects.
- Professional Development: Access to academic workshops and events.
- Research Networking: Opportunities to connect with scholars across Harvard.
The climate and health fellowship provides a salary of $90,000 annually for two years. Therefore, the total salary can reach $180,000.
However, the $90,000 research award for junior faculty is project funding, not a personal salary. Similarly, the $30,000 curriculum award supports academic development.
Available Fellowship Programs
The Harvard Burke Fellowship offers two main pathways.
1. HGHI-Salata Burke Climate and Health Fellowship
This two-year program supports postdoctoral researchers studying climate change and human health. Fellows work with Harvard faculty mentors on their proposed research.
2. HGHI Burke Global Health Fellowship
This 12-month program supports junior Harvard faculty. Applicants can request funding for research or curriculum development.
These are research fellowships, not Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs.
Available Research Fields
Harvard welcomes interdisciplinary research that addresses global health challenges.
The following 15 fields are relevant to the fellowship’s broad research scope:
- Global Health
- Public Health
- Climate Change and Human Health
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Research
- Health Systems Research
- Health Policy
- Medical Education
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- Environmental Engineering
- Sustainable Architecture and Design
- Health Economics and Finance
- Global Health Law
- Education and Curriculum Development
These are potential research areas, not 15 separate fellowship tracks.
For the climate and health pathway, every proposed project must clearly connect climate change with human health.
Meanwhile, the junior faculty pathway accepts research from different disciplines. However, all projects must address global health.
Eligibility Criteria for Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028
Eligibility depends on the fellowship category.
1. Climate and Health Fellowship — International Applicants
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral or comparable terminal degree awarded between May 2022 and August 2027.
- Propose research connecting climate change and human health.
- Secure a Harvard faculty member as their research mentor.
- Commit at least 75% of their working time to fellowship research.
- Live in the Boston area throughout the two-year fellowship.
- Meet Harvard’s employment and immigration requirements.
International applicants are welcome. However, applicants who need a US visa must qualify for the appropriate J-1 visa arrangements.
Furthermore, the Harvard mentor’s department must agree to employ and host the fellow. Harvard does not arrange faculty mentors for applicants.
2. Global Health Fellowship — Harvard Faculty Only
Applicants must hold a junior faculty appointment at Harvard University.
Eligible appointments include:
- Instructor
- Assistant Professor
Researchers from medicine, engineering, law, education, and other disciplines may apply. However, their projects must address global health.
Required Documents for Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028
Applicants should prepare documents for their chosen fellowship category.
Climate and Health Fellowship
- Updated academic CV.
- Research proposal title.
- Research proposal of no more than four pages, excluding references.
- One academic publication or writing sample.
- Harvard faculty mentor’s support letter.
- One additional recommendation letter.
The proposal should explain the research objectives, background, methods, and expected impact.
Global Health Fellowship
Junior Harvard faculty must provide:
- Updated CV.
- Research project title and proposal.
- One-page budget narrative.
- Completed budget template.
- List of current and pending research funding.
- Mentor reference letter.
- Additional reference letter.
- Proposal routing form.
Applicants should check the official instructions before submitting their documents.
How to Apply for Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028
Applications are currently open through Harvard’s official fellowship website.
Step 1: Visit the Harvard Global Health Institute fellowship page.
Step 2: Choose the appropriate fellowship category.
Step 3: Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Step 4: Contact a potential Harvard faculty mentor if applying for the climate and health pathway.
Step 5: Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
Step 6: Click the Apply link on the official fellowship page.
Step 7: Complete the application and upload the required documents.
Step 8: Submit your application before 3 January 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Harvard requires a faculty mentor’s support letter for climate and health applications. Therefore, applicants should secure this commitment before the deadline.
Official Application Links
Official Fellowship Website: Harvard Burke Fellowship — Eligibility and Apply
2027–2028 Announcement: Harvard Global Health Institute Official Announcement
Host Institution: Harvard Global Health Institute
Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 Deadline
| Important Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Opened | 9 November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 January 2027 |
| Closing Time | 11:59 PM Eastern Time |
| Global Health Fellowship Begins | 1 July 2027 |
| Climate and Health Fellowship Begins | 1 September 2027 |
| Fellowship Duration | 1–2 years, depending on category |
Frequently Asked Questions
The climate and health fellowship provides a $90,000 annual salary and employee benefits. However, relocation expenses are not covered separately.
Yes. Eligible international researchers can apply for the climate and health pathway. They must secure a Harvard mentor and meet visa requirements.
No. The climate and health pathway requires a doctorate or comparable terminal degree. The other pathway requires a junior Harvard faculty appointment.
Harvard does not list IELTS as a mandatory fellowship application document.
Not for the climate and health fellowship. Applicants must secure a Harvard faculty mentor and obtain a support letter.
Final Thoughts
The Harvard Burke Fellowship 2027–2028 in USA offers valuable opportunities for eligible researchers and academics.
The climate and health pathway provides a $90,000 annual salary for two years. Meanwhile, junior Harvard faculty can apply for research or curriculum development awards.
Applications are open now, and the deadline is 3 January 2027. Interested applicants should review their eligibility and prepare their research proposals early.
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