About the Program: M-RCBG Senior Fellows contribute to understanding the rapidly evolving relationship between business and government. They are distinguished professionals from government and/or business who come to M-RCBG to address issues at the interface of the public and private sectors, such as: regulation, corporate governance, and the role of government in the changing global economy. Senior fellows undertake independent research projects that culminate in a working paper, a journal article or, in rare cases, a book. They also offer study groups for Harvard students. Their role strengthens the connection between theory and practice, offering both faculty and students insights into the nature of social problems and their most practical solutions. Senior fellow appointments are non-stipendiary (unpaid).
Every senior fellow is sponsored by a Harvard Kennedy School faculty member, and a committee of M-RCBG-affiliated faculty reviews applications, recommends fellows appointments and assigns faculty sponsors. Participation in the program is competitive: about 15 senior fellows participate each year.
Criteria and Expectations: At least twenty years of professional experience is required for consideration as a senior fellow. An applicant's research interests must closely match those of one or more M-RCBG-affiliated faculty. Senior fellows are expected to participate in the life of the center by attending seminars, lunches, and conferences and participating in student activities, and to complete a substantial writing project during their time at the center. They must offer a study group for Harvard students on a topic of their choice, and they must be physically present on campus at least three weeks each semester, preferably more, while classes are in session (late August through early December; and late January through the end of April) to maximize contact with our students and the broader center community. They should plan to attend the four research meetings per year to present and discuss their current progress with other senior fellows and research mentors. Appointments are for one year; extensions for a second year are considered on a case-by-case basis.
To apply: visit after it reopens in early January 2025. Applicants will create an account and upload the materials below in pdf format by March 3, 2025.
• A research proposal (1800-4000 words) which should include:
- The title of your project
- A thoughtful and well-developed description of the problem you wish to tackle
- Your anticipated research methods and deliverable(s)
- An explanation of how your background makes you a good person to address this problem.
- Mention of your ability and preparedness to lead two or more 90-minute-long study groups during the year. (M-RCBG study groups are discussion-centered meetings with students on some aspect of your research topic.)
- The frequency you are you able to be on campus at Harvard.
• Your CV
Optional:
• Examples of prior writing projects, if any.
The deadline for the 2025/2026 school year is March 3, 2025. Successful applicants will begin a one-year term as M-RCBG senior fellows starting July 1, 2025.
Questions regarding the program or application should be addressed to Susan_Gill@hks.harvard.edu.
**when creating a new application account, if you do not receive a portal registration code within 10 minutes, add Susan_Gill@hks.harvard.edu to your email program's "safe list" and press "resend code."