Deadline: February 22, 2026
The Carr-Ryan Center Racial Justice Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for scholars, practitioners, human-rights defenders, and leaders committed to advancing racial and economic equity. This prestigious programme at Harvard Kennedy School supports research, advocacy, and applied projects that reimagine systems and institutions through the lens of racial justice and global human rights.
About the Carr-Ryan Center Racial Justice Fellowship Program 2026–2027
The fellowship is hosted by the Carr-Ryan Center for Social Justice at Harvard Kennedy School and is a core initiative of the Centre’s Racial Justice Program. It is designed to support individuals whose work aligns with racial justice, civil rights, human rights, and systemic equity.
Fellows join a vibrant academic and practitioner community to collaborate, research, engage in university-wide programming, and contribute meaningfully to global conversations around equity and justice.
The programme welcomes research that is academic, applied, practice-based, or movement-oriented. Outputs may include academic papers, policy analyses, applied project designs, movement-building strategies, or other creative forms aligned with the fellow’s project.
Fellowship Benefits
Stipend
- Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend for the academic year.
(Note: This is the only funded component. All other expenses must be self-funded.)
Tenure
- The fellowship covers one full academic year, running from 1 September 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Engagement Opportunities
Fellows gain access to:
- Research collaboration with faculty, scholars, and practitioners
- Harvard-wide seminars, workshops, and public programmes
- Academic enrichment through auditing classes
- Study groups, discussions, and convenings hosted by the Centre
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to both emerging and established experts whose work focuses on racial justice, human rights, and social equity. Eligible applicants include:
- Postdoctoral scholars
- Academics on sabbatical
- Human-rights defenders
- Senior leaders in global or international organisations
- Heads of human rights or social justice organisations
- Independent researchers and practitioners working on racial justice or related fields
Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project aligns with the priorities and research agenda of the Carr-Ryan Center for Social Justice.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé
- Research Proposal (up to 3 pages) outlining project goals, relevance, and expected outcomes
- Executive Summary (200 words)
- Writing Sample (up to 10 pages)
- List of publications or equivalent professional deliverables
- Contact information for two references (they may be contacted during evaluation)
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 1 September 2026 – 30 June 2027
Ideal Candidate Profile
This fellowship is an excellent fit for individuals who:
- Work at the intersection of racial justice, human rights, civil rights, or equity-focused policy
- Are committed to rigorous academic, applied, or movement-driven research
- Can actively participate in collaborative research communities
- Possess a clear project that advances racial and economic equity
- Are able to source external funding for living, travel, or project costs beyond the stipend
Conclusion
The Carr-Ryan Center Racial Justice Fellowship Program 2026–2027 provides a unique and influential platform for researchers and practitioners dedicated to equity, justice, and systemic transformation. Through deep engagement with faculty, access to world-class academic resources, and opportunities for public scholarship, fellows contribute to shaping the future of racial and economic justice globally.
If you are passionate about driving meaningful change, this fellowship offers the space, community, and intellectual support to elevate your work.
➡️ Apply Here
➡️ Read More About the Programme
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