Harvard-Yenching Program

In conjunction with the mission of the Harvard-Yenching Institute, nominated scholars must be working in the humanities and social sciences with an emphasis on culture. Outstanding scholars whose work is academic rather than applied are sought in this program. Scholars whose research focus is comparative, and includes one or more Asian countries, are especially welcome. In addition, although there is no age limit for applicants, preference is given to younger scholars who are in the early stages of their academic career.

Harvard Yenching Visiting Scholars Program offers faculty members in the humanities and social sciences (not limited to China Studies or East Asian Studies) the opportunity to undertake 10 months of study and research at Harvard University and/or other appropriate universities. Approximately 20 applicants are chosen each year as researchers at the Harvard-Yenching Institute, and have access to the Harvard University libraries and facilities. Scholars are provided with living expenses while at the Institute.

The selection criteria include English proficiency, academic training (including PhD degree in most cases), quality and originality of the research proposal, demonstrated depth of subject knowledge, and feasibility of conducting the research at Harvard University and/or other major universities in the United States. In cases where qualifications are roughly equal, priority is given to those candidates who have not recently spent substantial time at an American university. Selected scholars work with faculty at Harvard and/or other appropriate universities, and are required to make at least one public presentation in English on their proposed research project during their stay at the Institute.

Visiting Scholars Program candidates should have been serving at their home university for at least three years at the time of application as a full time faculty. Scholars who gained their PhD from an institution outside of Asia within the past five years at the time of application are not eligible. Previous recipients of a Visiting Scholar fellowship from HYI are not eligible to reapply for this program.

• Round trip economy class airfare
• A stipend of US $7,000 per month for 10-month residence
• Health Insurance up to the amount of $4,500
• Funding (up to $5,000) for hiring a research assistant or an editor, and for participating in academic conferences and/or making brief research trips in North America