Research Appointment Application Procedure

The Department of History of Art and Architecture welcomes each year a limited number of qualified visitors whose academic interests intersect directly with the teaching and research activities of the Department's Faculty members. Because the Department’s Faculty and students thrive on intellectual engagement with guest researchers, visitors are encouraged to participate actively in the life of the Department and the University, attending lectures, conferences, film screenings, and classes with permission of the instructor. Visitors may be invited to present an informal talk or seminar during the course of their stay. English language proficiency is assumed and will be verified by the Faculty host.

Although these visiting appointments carry no financial support of any kind, visitors are provided with a Harvard e-mail address and identification card, which gives them access to Harvard College libraries and museums. Visitors are entirely responsible for obtaining their own funding, for making their own travel and living arrangements, and for obtaining health insurance. The Department is unable to provide office space, supplies, or research support. Depending upon the appointment type as determined by the University (Visiting Scholar, Fellow or Associate) the University may provide assistance with the process for scholars coming from outside the United States.

How to Apply

Acceptance as a visitor is competitive; the department can accommodate only a handful of individuals at any one time.  Applications (collected and submitted by the Department Faculty sponsor) should include the following (all materials must be in English):

  1. Request letter from applicant to HAA faculty sponsor
  2. Letter of support from the HAA faculty sponsor to the Department Visiting Scholars Committee
  3. Current curriculum vitae
  4. Brief description (1-2 pages) of research project

There are two application deadlines per academic year:

  • January 15, for review first by the Department’s Visiting Scholars Committee, and then by the full Department at its February department meeting.   January deadline is primarily for Fall Visiting Scholars
  • October 15, for review first by the Department’s Visiting Scholars Committee, and then by the full Department at its November department meeting.  October deadline is primarily for Spring Visiting Scholars

The Department is fully aware that many fellowship applications require a formal letter of invitation, but cannot make exceptions to its application schedule.  We urge visiting scholars/fellows to plan accordingly.

The department gives preference for appointments of 12 months’ duration. With rare exception scholars are accepted for less than 6 months, and the absolute minimum is four months. Extensions to the initial appointment are granted only very rarely.