Submit Applications for Berenson Fellowship Program

Deadline: 21-Nov-2026

The Berenson Fellowship Program supports early- and mid-career scholars researching transnational dialogues involving Italy during the Renaissance. Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month, a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800, and residential support at Villa I Tatti in Florence for four or six months. The fellowship welcomes scholars from around the world working across disciplines such as art, architecture, history, literature, philosophy, music, and the history of science. Projects should explore connections between Renaissance Italy and other cultural regions, including Latin America, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia.

About the Berenson Fellowship Program

The Berenson Fellowship Program is a residential research fellowship at Villa I Tatti – The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy. The program supports research that examines the Renaissance through a transnational and geographically expansive perspective. Rather than focusing exclusively on Italy, applicants are encouraged to investigate cultural, intellectual, artistic, scientific, or historical exchanges between Italy and other regions. The fellowship is particularly suitable for researchers studying: - Transnational Renaissance studies - Italian Renaissance art and architecture - Cross-cultural artistic exchange - Renaissance literature and philosophy - Mediterranean cultural connections - Italian interactions with African, Asian, or Latin American contexts - History of science - Intellectual and cultural history - Music and performance - International circulation of Renaissance ideas and objects Special consideration is given to scholars who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy. What Does the Fellowship Support? The Berenson Fellowship supports independent research projects that can be conducted primarily in Florence. Successful fellows become part of the intellectual community at Villa I Tatti and are expected to actively participate in its academic activities.

The fellowship provides:

- USD 5,200 per month - A fellowship period of four or six months - A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800 - A rent-free apartment when available, excluding utilities - A housing subsidy when an apartment is unavailable - Access to the research resources of Villa I Tatti - Participation in conferences, lectures, concerts, and other academic activities - A residential research environment in Florence - Opportunities for intellectual exchange with other scholars Up to four Berenson Fellowships are available each year. Research Focus and Eligible Subjects The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to Renaissance studies. Applicants may propose projects in fields including: - Art history - Architecture - History - Literature - Philosophy - Music - History of science - Cultural history - Intellectual history - Related humanities disciplines A strong proposal should clearly explain the transnational dimension of the research. For example, a project might examine how Renaissance artistic ideas moved between Italy and another region, how intellectual traditions interacted across geographical boundaries, or how Italian Renaissance culture was interpreted and transformed elsewhere. The program specifically encourages research involving dialogues between Italy and regions such as: - Latin America - The Mediterranean - Africa - Asia - Other relevant cultural and geographical contexts Why the Berenson Fellowship Matters The fellowship provides more than financial assistance. It gives scholars the opportunity to conduct concentrated research within one of the world’s major centres for Italian Renaissance studies. The program is particularly valuable for research requiring access to Italian libraries, archives, collections, and scholarly networks. Its international focus also encourages researchers to move beyond a purely Italy-centred interpretation of the Renaissance and examine the global circulation, exchange, and transformation of Renaissance culture. The residential structure can also help fellows: - Develop their research projects - Access specialist research resources - Build international academic networks - Exchange ideas with scholars from different disciplines - Present and discuss research - Strengthen their academic profile - Develop future international collaborations Who Is Eligible? The Berenson Fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities, subject to the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

- Hold a PhD at the time of application. - Be conversant in English. - Be familiar with Italian. - Have a research project that can be conducted primarily in Florence. - Be prepared to undertake the fellowship as a residential research appointment. - Be able to participate in the intellectual life of Villa I Tatti. The program gives priority to early- and mid-career scholars. Special consideration is also given to applicants who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy. Who Is Not Eligible? Previous I Tatti Term Fellows, except Graduate Fellows, are not eligible to apply for the Berenson Fellowship. Applicants should also note that fellows cannot hold: - Another fellowship concurrently during the fellowship period - Other teaching positions during their fellowship term The fellowship is intended to allow recipients to focus exclusively on their proposed research. Fellowship Duration and Residency Requirements Berenson Fellowships are awarded for either: - Four months, or - Six months The fellowship is residential. Successful applicants must live in the Florence area for the duration of their fellowship. Fellows are required to spend at least three days per week at Villa I Tatti and participate in the centre’s intellectual and academic activities. This requirement makes the program particularly suitable for scholars who need sustained access to research facilities and academic interact