2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice
Midcareer health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders have an opportunity to strengthen health policy and practice through the 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice offered by The Commonwealth Fund.
The prestigious fellowship supports experienced professionals who are committed to improving healthcare systems, expanding access to care, increasing quality and efficiency, and advancing health equity.
Successful fellows will undertake a policy-focused research project that addresses important healthcare challenges in both the United States and their home countries while gaining international experience and building connections with global health leaders.
Fellowship Designed for Midcareer Health Policy Experts
The Harkness Fellowship is aimed at professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to improving healthcare systems.
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds, including:
- Government and health policy officials.
- Health services researchers.
- Clinical leaders.
- Healthcare managers.
- Journalists specialising in health issues.
- Professionals working in healthcare delivery and reform.
Applicants should have expertise in health policy issues and a proven record of contributing to healthcare improvements through research, analysis, leadership, or practice.
2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice: Research Projects Must Focus on Healthcare System Change
The fellowship supports innovative research projects that can contribute to meaningful policy or system-level improvements.
Applicants are expected to propose projects that align with the Commonwealth Fund’s key areas of interest, including:
- Improving health insurance coverage.
- Expanding access to healthcare services.
- Enhancing healthcare quality.
- Improving efficiency in care delivery.
- Advancing health equity.
Projects should be relevant to both the United States and the applicant’s home country, with the potential to influence healthcare policies and practices.
Applicants proposing research projects should consider:
- Availability of data for quantitative studies.
- Methods for collecting evidence in qualitative research.
- Practical approaches for translating findings into policy action.
2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice: Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The fellowship is open to established residents of selected countries who meet the programme requirements.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be residents of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.
- Be eligible to receive a J-1 Research Scholar Visa.
- Intend to continue their careers in the country from which they apply.
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential in health policy or healthcare practice.
- Have relevant education and professional experience.
- Be able to complete an independent policy-oriented research project.
The Commonwealth Fund particularly encourages applications from individuals from historically marginalised backgrounds and groups underrepresented in health policy and healthcare leadership.
2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice Fellowship Offers International Learning and Leadership Development
The Harkness Fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to engage with leading healthcare experts, researchers, and policymakers.
During the fellowship, participants will:
- Conduct independent health policy research.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations.
- Engage with healthcare leaders and institutions.
- Expand international professional networks.
- Share knowledge between the United States and their home countries.
The programme is designed to help fellows become stronger leaders capable of influencing healthcare improvements in their communities and countries.
Application Requirements: 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice
Applicants must submit a complete application through the Harkness Fellowship portal.
Required materials include:
- Statement of professional objectives.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Preliminary research project proposal of up to five pages.
- Three letters of reference.
- Three examples of professional work, such as journal articles, reports, or other written publications.
Reference letters must include:
- One institutional or organisational reference from a senior leader or supervisor.
- Two professional references from individuals familiar with the applicant’s qualifications and achievements.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all reference letters are submitted before the deadline.
Application Timeline for 2027–2028 Fellowship
The application period for the next fellowship cycle is now open.
Important dates:
- Applications open: 1 June 2026.
- Application deadline: 1 November 2026.
After applications are reviewed by Commonwealth Fund staff and expert panels from participating countries, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Applicants will be assessed based on:
- Professional qualifications.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to healthcare improvement.
- Quality and relevance of the proposed research.
- Strength of recommendation letters.
Opportunity to Shape the Future of Healthcare
The Commonwealth Fund’s Harkness Fellowship provides a platform for experienced health professionals to develop research, exchange ideas internationally, and contribute to healthcare reforms.
By supporting leaders who are committed to evidence-based policy change and health equity, the fellowship helps strengthen healthcare systems and improve outcomes for communities worldwide.
Qualified health policy professionals and healthcare leaders from eligible countries are encouraged to apply for the 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship.
