The Rowland Fellowship 2027 at Harvard University is a fully funded fellowship for international applicants to spend 5 years conducting independent research in the United States. This prestigious opportunity supports early-career experimental scientists and engineers to build their own labs and pursue groundbreaking ideas at the Rowland Institute at Harvard.
The Rowland Institute at Harvard provides a highly collaborative environment where fellows can establish independent research programs. Fellows also have the honor of teaching undergraduates for at least one semester. The Institute assists with the visa process, and U.S. citizens are also welcome to apply.
Rowland Fellowship Benefits
- Salary starting ~$89,999/year
- Dedicated lab space
- Annual research budget (~$225,000)
- Funding to hire research staff
- Travel & research support
- Access to Harvard facilities
- Full rights to establish their labs
- Interdisciplinary, interactive environment in Cambridge, MA
- Dedicated lab & ancillary spaces
- Generous start-up funds for equipment
- Opportunity to teach undergraduates in a research setting
- Access to staff scientists/engineers for experimental setup design
- Shared research equipment at the Institute and Harvard
- Mentoring in lab culture, writing, budgeting, career development, and leadership
Rowland Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Have completed (or are near completion of) a PhD
- Received PhD after May 2025 (for 2027 cycle)
- Conduct experimental research (science/engineering)
- Not currently established as independent faculty
- Open to applicants worldwide
Required Documents
- Elevator Pitch
- Statement of Research
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Vision Statement
- References
Why this Rowland Fellowship Matters
This is not a typical fellowship — it’s a career-launching opportunity:
- Build your own research lab
- Work independently as a scientist
- Collaborate with Harvard researchers
- Access world-class facilities
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for:
- PhD graduates
- Early-career researchers
- Scientists in experimental fields
- Candidates aiming for academic careers
- Open to applicants worldwide
Fields of Research
The fellowship supports:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Engineering
- Neuroscience
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: May 2026
- Deadline: 1 August 2026
- Interviews: Oct–Nov 2026
- Results: December 2026
How to Apply for Rowland Fellowship
- Applications will only be accepted via the Harvard website through the provided link.
- Prepare required documents: Elevator Pitch, Statement of Research, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Vision Statement, and References.
- Submit your application before the deadline: 1 August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Rowland Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Rowland Fellowship?
The Rowland Fellowship is a prestigious research program designed for early-career experimental scientists and engineers. It allows fellows to establish independent research programs in a highly collaborative environment at Harvard University.
Is the Rowland Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the Rowland Fellowship is fully funded. Selected fellows receive a salary starting around $89,999 per year, dedicated lab space, an annual research budget of approximately $225,000, funding to hire research staff, travel and research support, and access to Harvard facilities.
What is the deadline for the Rowland Fellowship 2027?
The deadline for the Rowland Fellowship 2027 is 1 August 2026. Applications open in May 2026. Interviews are held in October–November 2026, and results are announced in December 2026.
Who can apply for the Rowland Fellowship?
Applicants must have completed or be near completion of a PhD, received their PhD after May 2025 (for the 2027 cycle), conduct experimental research in science or engineering, and not currently be established as independent faculty. The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide.
What fields of research does the Rowland Fellowship support?
The fellowship supports experimental research in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and Neuroscience.
What are the benefits of the Rowland Fellowship?
Benefits include a salary starting at ~$89,999/year, dedicated lab space, an annual research budget (~$225,000), funding to hire research staff, travel and research support, access to Harvard facilities, full rights to establish labs, and mentoring in lab culture, writing, budgeting, career development, and leadership.
How long is the Rowland Fellowship?
The Rowland Fellowship has a duration of up to 5 years.
What documents are required to apply for the Rowland Fellowship?
Required documents include an Elevator Pitch, Statement of Research, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Vision Statement, and References.
Where do I apply for the Rowland Fellowship?
Applications are accepted only via the Harvard website through the official link provided on the Rowland Institute at Harvard fellowships page.
Can international students apply for the Rowland Fellowship?
Yes, the Rowland Fellowship is open to international applicants. The Institute will assist in the visa process. U.S. citizens can also apply.
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