Harvard University’s Villa I Tatti, The Harvard Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, is accepting applications for the Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028, a prestigious residential fellowship for scholars researching “Italy in the World” during the Renaissance.
Made possible by The Lila Wallace–Reader’s Digest Fund, the fellowship supports original research exploring the transnational connections between Italy and other regions—including Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, Latin America and beyond—during the Renaissance, broadly defined as the 14th to 17th centuries.
The programme offers scholars dedicated time, exceptional research resources and an international intellectual community in Florence, Italy.
About the Berenson Fellowship
The Berenson Fellowship reflects the vision of renowned art historian Bernard Berenson, who advocated for a geographically expansive understanding of the Renaissance and its connections across cultures. The fellowship encourages innovative scholarship examining how Italy interacted with diverse societies, ideas, artistic traditions and intellectual movements across the early modern world.
Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Architecture
- Art history and visual arts
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Music
- History of science
Projects should demonstrate original research with the potential to make significant contributions to Renaissance studies and transnational historical scholarship.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides substantial financial and institutional support to enable scholars to focus exclusively on their research.
Successful fellows will receive:
- USD 5,200 per month stipend.
- A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
- A 4- or 6-month residential fellowship in Florence, Italy.
- Full access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week.
- A personal desk or library carrel for research.
- Complimentary weekday lunches with the scholarly community.
- Participation in conferences, lectures, concerts and selected academic events hosted by Villa I Tatti.
When available, fellows may also receive rent-free accommodation, with responsibility only for utility costs. If on-site housing is unavailable, Villa I Tatti provides a housing subsidy to help offset rental expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Hold a completed PhD (certificate required).
- Not be enrolled in a second PhD programme.
- Conduct research in one of the academic fields supported by Villa I Tatti.
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency.
- Have familiarity with the Italian language.
- Be able to conduct the majority of their research in Florence.
Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars, although applications are welcomed from qualified researchers worldwide.
Villa I Tatti particularly encourages applications from scholars who have limited access to research materials and academic facilities in Italy.
Research Expectations
The fellowship is intended to provide uninterrupted time for a single research project. Fellows are expected to devote themselves exclusively to the project submitted in their application and may not simultaneously work on unrelated books or article editing projects.
Because the programme is residential, fellows must:
- Live in the Florence area during the fellowship.
- Spend at least three days each week at Villa I Tatti.
- Participate actively in the intellectual life of the Harvard Center through seminars, lectures and community events.
The fellowship cannot be held concurrently with another fellowship, award or teaching appointment, including part-time teaching positions.
Fellowship Duration
Applicants may indicate their preferred residency period:
- Fall Term: September to December
- Winter–Spring Term: January to June
Each fellowship lasts either four or six months, depending on the approved appointment.
The Berenson Fellowship is awarded only once during a scholar’s career and cannot be deferred to a future academic year.
Application Requirements
Applications may be submitted in English or Italian through the online application system.
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Scan of PhD certificate.
- Any additional supporting materials requested by Villa I Tatti.
Candidates may apply for only one I Tatti fellowship during a single academic year.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must arrange for two academic referees who are familiar with their scholarly work to submit confidential recommendation letters electronically.
Recommendations may be written in either English or Italian. Applicants are encouraged to register their referees as early as possible to ensure timely submission.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Fellowship application deadline | 16 November 2026 |
| Recommendation letters deadline | 21 November 2026 |
| Fellowship duration | 4 or 6 months |
| Residency location | Florence, Italy |
All applications must be submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, Massachusetts time) on 16 November 2026.
Why Apply?
The Berenson Fellowship is one of the leading international residential fellowships for Renaissance scholars. It combines generous financial support with unparalleled access to specialized collections, a vibrant interdisciplinary community and the unique opportunity to conduct research in Florence, one of the world’s most significant centers for Renaissance history and culture.
For scholars investigating the global dimensions of the Renaissance, the fellowship offers an exceptional environment for producing original, internationally significant research.
Key Fellowship Details
- Institution: Harvard University – Villa I Tatti
- Fellowship: Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028
- Location: Florence, Italy
- Stipend: USD 5,200 per month
- Relocation support: Up to USD 1,800
- Duration: 4 or 6 months
- Eligibility: PhD holders
- Research focus: Italy in the World during the Renaissance (14th–17th centuries)
- Application deadline: 16 November 2026
- Recommendation deadline: 21 November 2026
