Applications are now open for the prestigious Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, offering postdoctoral scholars an opportunity to conduct focused research in Florence, Italy.
The residential fellowship supports scholars whose work explores the historiography, legacy, transformation, and impact of the Italian Renaissance in the Modern Era, particularly from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries.
Successful Fellows will receive a grant of USD 5,200 per month for a fellowship lasting either four or six months, together with a one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
Up to four fellowships are awarded each year. The programme is open to eligible scholars from all nationalities, making it an important international opportunity for early- and mid-career researchers working across the humanities and related fields.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 16 November 2026, while letters of recommendation must be submitted by 21 November 2026.
The Wallace Fellowship is designed for scholars investigating how the Italian Renaissance has been understood, interpreted, transformed, and experienced in the modern world.
The fellowship is made possible through support from The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund.
Research projects can explore a broad range of questions concerning the relationship between the Renaissance and modernity.
Possible areas of research include:
- Historiography of the Italian Renaissance
- Modern reactions and responses to the Renaissance
- Transformations and reinterpretations of Renaissance ideas
- Commentary on the Renaissance and its relationship with modernity
- Museum history
- Collecting history
- The survival of Renaissance traditions in modern art and architecture
- Photography
- Landscape architecture
- Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political thought
Projects may also investigate the impact of Renaissance ideas and traditions across other fields, provided they clearly engage with the historiography or modern legacy of the Renaissance.
A Residential Research Experience in Florence
One of the defining features of the Wallace Fellowship is the opportunity to undertake research in Florence, one of the world’s most important locations for the study of the Italian Renaissance.
Villa I Tatti provides Fellows with dedicated time to pursue their research with limited obligations and access to extensive scholarly resources.
The fellowship is residential, and successful applicants are expected to live in the Florence area throughout their appointment.
Fellows must spend at least three days per week at the Centre.
Depending on availability, an apartment may be provided for the Fellow’s use rent-free, although Fellows may be responsible for utility charges.
Where an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy may be provided to help offset rental costs.
This arrangement gives researchers the opportunity to spend several months immersed in a scholarly environment while conducting research in Italy.
Fellowship Duration and Funding
The Wallace Fellowship can be held for either four or six months.
Successful Fellows will receive:
- USD 5,200 per month
- A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800
- Possible access to rent-free accommodation, subject to availability
- A housing subsidy where suitable accommodation cannot be provided
- Access to the Harvard Center’s scholarly resources
- Use of the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week
- Lunch with other appointees from Monday through Friday
Term Fellows do not receive a separate office or study. However, they will have access to their own desk or carrel within the Library.
Fellows will also become part of the wider intellectual community at Villa I Tatti and are expected to participate in selected academic activities, including conferences, lectures, and concerts.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must already hold a PhD at the time of application and will be required to upload a scanned copy of their PhD certificate.
Candidates cannot be enrolled in a second PhD programme at the time of application.
Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars, although eligible researchers should carefully review the official requirements before applying.
Applicants should have strong English-language skills and familiarity with Italian.
The fellowship welcomes scholars working across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Art and architecture
- Landscape architecture
- History
- Literature
- Material culture
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Science
Projects must focus on the historiography or modern impact of the Italian Renaissance, and applicants must be able to conduct most of their proposed research in Florence.
Villa I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars from all countries and gives special consideration to candidates who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Applications are assessed by international scholars.
The selection process considers the quality and originality of the proposed research project, together with its potential to generate original results.
The candidate’s curriculum vitae is also an important part of the assessment.
The selection committee additionally considers whether the applicant can contribute collegially to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center.
Applicants should therefore present a clear and compelling research proposal explaining the significance of their project, its connection to the fellowship’s focus, and why conducting research in Florence is essential to the proposed work.
Candidates should also clearly demonstrate how their academic background and previous research prepare them to successfully complete the proposed project.
Important Fellowship Conditions
Wallace Fellows are expected to work solely on the project submitted with their application.
The proposed project may represent one part of a larger research project, but Fellows cannot simultaneously work on editing other books or article projects during the fellowship period.
Fellows may not take on other obligations, including teaching positions, even on a part-time basis, while holding the fellowship.
The award also cannot be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
Applicants who receive partial salary support or external grants must disclose this in their application or subsequent correspondence and obtain the necessary permission.
Term Fellowships at Villa I Tatti can generally be held only once and cannot be deferred.
The fellow is responsible for arranging any required visa, Italian residence documentation, and health coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted in English or Italian.
Candidates must submit their electronic applications by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time on 16 November 2026.
Applicants may apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.
Each applicant must also arrange for two scholars familiar with their work to submit letters of recommendation online.
Recommendation letters must be submitted by 21 November 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to register their referees as early as possible to ensure they have sufficient time to complete their recommendations before the deadline.
Fellowship at a Glance
Fellowship: Wallace Fellowship
Host Institution: Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies
Location: Florence, Italy
Duration: 4 or 6 months
Number of Awards: Up to 4 annually
Funding: USD 5,200 per month
Relocation Support: Up to USD 1,800 one-time supplement
Eligibility: PhD required at the time of application
Priority: Early- and mid-career scholars
Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
Research Focus: Historiography and modern impact of the Italian Renaissance
Application Deadline: 16 November 2026
Recommendation Deadline: 21 November 2026
Official Application: Apply for the Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti
Eligible scholars are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals and contacting potential referees well in advance, particularly because the application requires two academic recommendations.
