Berenson Fellowship Grant

Berenson Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies
Amount: US $20,800 - US $31,200
Last Updated: July 19, 2025

Summary

The Berenson Fellowship, supported by The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund, invites scholars to explore 'Italy in the World' through transnational dialogues during the Renaissance (14th-17th century). This residential fellowship spans 4 to 6 months, offering USD 5,200 monthly and potential housing support. Applicants must hold a PhD and reside in Florence for at least three days a week. Priority is given to early and mid-career scholars, especially those with limited access to research resources in Italy.

Overview

NOTE: Application due by First Full Proposal deadline above.Letters of Recommendation due by Second Full Proposal deadline above. Berenson Fellowship This Fellowship, made possible by The Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Fund, is designed for scholars who explore “Italy in the World.” Projects should address the transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.) during the Renaissance, broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14th to the 17th century. It is named after Bernard Berenson, who in his 1956 statement ‘On the Future of I Tatti’ expressed the hope that not only would scholars come from many countries, but that they would also travel in “what was the ancient Oecumene, not going farther East than the Euphrates and not farther South than Egypt and the great desert of North Africa” and be intimately acquainted with the Mediterranean countries and their “Hinterland.” Taking a broad geographic view of the Renaissance more than half a century ago, Berenson was a pioneer of the geographically expansive approach to the early modern world that this Fellowship wishes to encourage. Scholars working in all the fields supported by I Tatti—architecture and the arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science—are encouraged to apply. I Tatti offers Fellows the precious time they need to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions together with a maximum of scholarly resources—a combination that distinguishes the Harvard Center from similar institutions. Each year, a limited number of activities organized at I Tatti are reserved for the Fellows, and they are expected to join the wider community at conferences, lectures, and concerts. This is a residential fellowship of 4 or 6 months in length. Up to four fellowships will be awarded every year. Terms The grant is USD 5,200 per month, plus a one-time supplement (maximum USD 1,500) towards relocation expenses.  When possible, an apartment will be set aside for the Fellow’s use, rent free, but with charges for utilities. If an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy will be offered to help offset rental costs. Applicants should indicate their preference between fall (September through December) and winter-spring (January through June). Fellows enjoy all the privileges of the Harvard Center, including use of the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week and lunch with other Appointees from Monday through Friday. Short-term Fellows do not receive an office or study, but they will have their own desk or carrel in the Library itself. Fellows may not take on any other obligations such as teaching positions, even part-time ones, during any part of their Fellowship period. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award. The Fellow is responsible to obtain a visa, permesso di soggiorno, and health coverage (and, if appropriate, for accompanying family members). The Fellow must determine if a visa is required and, if necessary, obtain one before travel.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. In light of the residential nature of the fellowship Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the center.At the time of application, scholars must have a PhD in hand and will be asked to upload a scan of the certificate. Applicants must be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian. Priority will be given to early and mid-career scholars. I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars from all nations and gives special consideration to candidates without regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy. Applications are evaluated by international scholars. The selection committee aims to assess the ability of candidates to contribute in a collegial way to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center. It pays special attention to the strength of the proposed project and its potential to yield original results, and to the candidate’s curriculum vitae. Short-term Fellowships at I Tatti can be held only once and cannot be deferred. Short-term Fellowships are intended for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti (with the exception of Graduate Fellows).

Ineligibility

They may not be working on a second PhD at the time of application.