Salata Institute Visiting Scholars Program

Applications are now open for AY 2026-2027.

The Salata Institute Visiting Scholar Program accepts exceptional academics working on climate change and sustainability for the purpose of supporting their scholarship or professional development. Visiting Scholars, in turn, enrich Harvard University’s community of scholars and scientists who are working on these issues. 

The program accepts applications on a rolling basis from academics, who are normally on sabbatical from their home institutions. These are residential, non-stipendiary appointments. All Visiting Scholars must be sponsored by a Salata Institute Faculty Affiliate. The Salata Institute hosts Visiting Scholars for one or two consecutive terms per academic year and provides office space and administrative support.

The Institute evaluates candidates based on their contributions to addressing climate change and sustainability; their interest in engaging in the academic activity around climate change and sustainability at Harvard University, especially in Salata Institute-sponsored endeavors, such as research projects, workshops, and events; and the recommendation of the sponsoring Institute Faculty Associate. 

School departments may invite fellows to teach courses, although any teaching appointment and any associated compensation are solely the purview of Harvard Schools, not of the Salata Institute. 

Application Process 

Salata Institute Visiting Scholars are admitted to the program either in the beginning of the fall or spring semesters. Fall semester begins in September and ends in December; the Spring semester begins in January and ends in May. Visiting Scholars may be in residence at Harvard throughout the summer months preceding or following the semester in they are in residence, provided space is available. Extensions beyond a year are considered upon request.  

Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Eligibility  

Applicants must have a PhD or a terminal professional degree, and they must hold a tenured or a tenure-track position at their home institutions. 

How to Apply 

To apply complete an online application, including the following documents: 

• Cover letter stating your background and interest in the Salata Visiting Scholar Program 
• Curriculum Vitae  
• Letter of support from a Salata Institute Faculty Affiliate
• Research or project proposal (suggested length 3-5 pages or 2,500 words) 
• Recent writing sample or work sample (suggested length under 30 pages or 7,000 words) 
• Optional: Three letters of recommendation (requested through the application portal) 

Criteria for Selection  

1. Significance and quality of the proposed research or project 
2. Record of achievement 
3. Potential for engagement in the academic activity around climate change and sustainability at Harvard University 

Other Visiting Scholar and Fellowship Programs in Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University 

There are several other visiting scholar and fellowship programs at Harvard University which pertain to climate and sustainability. These programs may be open to predoctoral students, postdoctoral candidates, visiting scholars, and practitioners. Some of these programs include the following. 

• HUCE Environmental Fellows Program
• Radcliffe Fellowship
• Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society Fellowship 
• The Burke Climate and Health Fellowship 
• Climate and Human Health Fellowship
• Belfer Center Fellowships 
• Edmund and Lily Safra Center for Ethics Fellows in Residence and Visiting Fellows Program 
• M-RCBG Senior Fellows 
• Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forestry Research  
• Harvard China Project on Energy, Economy, and Environment Fellowships
• Weatherhead Scholars Program