Applications are open for the Berenson Fellowship hosted by I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. This residential fellowship supports scholars researching transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance.
The program takes place in Florence, Italy. Fellows join the I Tatti scholarly community while pursuing their research full-time. In addition, selected fellows receive USD 5,200 per month, plus a one-time supplement (maximum USD 1,800) toward relocation expenses.
Key Details
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 16, 2026. (Letters of recommendation due November 21, 2026.)
Eligible Countries: All countries
Program Duration: 4 or 6 months (residential)
Program Location: Florence, Italy (residential; fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the center)
Funding/Benefits: USD 5,200 per month, plus a one-time supplement (maximum USD 1,800) toward relocation expenses
Award Provider: I Tatti (The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, Harvard University)
About this Program
The Berenson Fellowship is designed for scholars whose work explores the interactions between Italy and other cultures during the Renaissance, broadly defined as the 14th to 17th centuries. The fellowship is residential and based at I Tatti in Florence.
Moreover, the program gives fellows time, space, and research resources to advance a major project. Fellows are also expected to take part in the intellectual life of the center.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have a PhD at the time of application.
- Applicants may not be working on a second PhD at the time of application.
- Applicants should be able to carry out most of their research in Florence.
- Priority is given to early and mid-career scholars.
- I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars from all nations.
- Special consideration is given to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.
- Term Fellowships can be held only once and cannot be deferred.
- Fellows may not hold the fellowship at the same time as another fellowship or award.
What Fellows Receive: USD 5,200 per month stipend; one-time relocation supplement up to USD 1,800; when available, a rent-free apartment with utilities charged, or a housing subsidy if no apartment is available; use of Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week; lunch with other appointees Monday–Friday; and a desk or carrel in the library.
Program Components Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at I Tatti. They must work solely on the proposed project during the fellowship, with no teaching or other obligations allowed. In addition, fellows join the I Tatti community through conferences, lectures, and concerts. Scholars should be conversant in English, and familiarity with Italian is preferred.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application electronically through the program portal. You will need to upload a scan of your PhD certificate. In addition, two letters of recommendation must be submitted online by referees.
Application portal: https://itatti.slideroom.com/
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
