Are you a recent PhD graduate in science or engineering with bold research ideas? The Rowland Fellows Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career scientists to launch independent research in a fully supported, state-of-the-art facility at Harvard University.
This prestigious fellowship empowers innovative thinkers to lead cutting-edge projects without the constraints of traditional academic structures. Application for 2026 is currently open. If you’re ready to explore high-impact ideas and shape the future of science, this could be your launchpad.
Keep reading to explore the full details about this program.
Contents
- 1 Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Summary
- 2 Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Details
- 3 Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Eligibility Requirements
- 4 Fellowship Benefits
- 5 Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Required Documents
- 6 How to Apply for the Rowland Fellows Program 2026(Step by Step)
- 7 Deadline
- 8 Receive the Latest Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Study Abroad: Study in USA
- Host Institution: The Rowland Institute at Harvard
- Category: Fellowship
- Program Duration: Five Years
- Start Dates: September to December 2025
- Eligible Countries: Global
- Location: Rowland Institute at Harvard University
- Rewards: Yearly Operational Budget of $225,000| Annual Salary| Teaching Opportunities| Funding & Resources |Principle Investigatior | Mentorship |Harvard Benefits
- Application Deadline: Friday, 15th August, 2025.
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Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Details
The Rowland Fellows Program 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for exceptional early-career experimental scientists and engineers from all disciplines to launch independent research careers at the heart of Harvard University. Hosted by the Rowland Institute at Harvard, this fellowship is designed for individuals who have earned their doctorate prior to starting the program, are currently completing their PhDs, or have received a PhD after May 1, 2024.
The Rowland Institute fellowship is committed to supporting scholars to explore high-reward research on Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In keeping with the vision of Edwin Land, the Institute’s founder, the program supports bold, boundary-pushing ideas that may not fit neatly within traditional academic departments and offers direct access to world-class collaborators and university resources.
Fellows receive the space, time, and full support to develop their research agendas—free from the usual early-career academic pressures, A yearly budget of $225,000 for general operations, a starting salary of $89,999 per year with full Harvard benefits, and the opportunity to lecture undergraduate students for at least one semester.
The duration for the fellowship program is five years; however, there a flexible start dates ranging from September to December for the 2026 fellowship program.
Many former Fellows have gone on to thrive as professors, researchers, startup founders, and industry leaders, and that could as well be you.
Looking for more fully funded fellowships? We’ve covered similar life-changing programs on our YouTube—go check them out!
Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Rowland Fellows Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- PhD Timing: You should either be in the final stages of your PhD or have received your doctoral degree after May 1, 2024. You must have completed your PhD before beginning the fellowship term.
- Research Focus: Your proposed research should be experimentally based in any scientific or engineering discipline. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Scope of Research: While past and current Fellows’ work can serve as inspiration, it’s not a limitation. The program is designed to support the best experimental science, regardless of field. However, human subjects or clinical research cannot be supported due to the shared lab facilities.
- Institutional Background: Applicants from any accredited academic institution, whether in the United States or abroad, are welcome to apply.
- Citizenship: Both U.S. citizens and international applicants are eligible. If selected, the Rowland Institute and Harvard University will assist international Fellows with the visa process.
- Send an email to [email protected] if you have inquiries or questions regarding the fellowship application.
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Fellowship Benefits
The Rowland Fellows Program 2026 offers exceptional benefits. Key benefits include:
- Full Principal Investigator (PI) Rights
Fellows will operate as independent PIs, establishing their labs and leading innovative research in the intellectually rich environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts. - Funding & Resources
Each Fellow receives:- Dedicated laboratory space and additional facilities as needed (e.g., cell culture, magnet rooms).
- Start-up funding for essential capital equipment tailored to the Fellow’s research.
- A yearly operational budget starting at $225,000 for lab supplies, travel, and hiring personnel such as postdocs, research assistants, or undergraduates.
- An annual salary starting at $89,999, along with full Harvard benefits.
- Teaching Opportunities
Fellows can teach undergraduates for at least one semester during the program, primarily in active research settings, to build teaching experience and attract talented students to their labs. - Technical & Research Support
Staff scientists and engineers are available to help design and build experimental setups. Fellows also gain access to advanced shared research equipment within the Rowland Institute and across Harvard (the Centre for Nanoscale Systems and Bauer Life Science Core Facility). - Mentorship & Career Development
Fellows receive personalised mentoring in lab leadership, research budgeting, and scientific writing. Ongoing support includes access to Harvard’s Core for mentorship excellence, career development resources, and leadership training to prepare Fellows for success in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. - The fellowship program duration spans five years with flexible start dates, ranging from September to December 2026.
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Rowland Fellows Program 2026 Required Documents
To complete your application for the Rowland Fellows Program 2026, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following materials:
- Elevator Pitch (250 words max): This should describe your research goals.
- Statement of Research (max 3 pages including references):
Outline your proposed research project and include a summary of recent work that supports your plan. - Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should include your academic background, research experience, publications, and any other relevant achievements.
- Vision Statement (1 page max):
Share how your values and experiences have shaped your academic journey, and describe the kind of lab culture you aim to create as an independent researcher. - Contact Information for 3–4 References
You’ll be asked to provide the names and email addresses of your referees. Once submitted, the system will automatically send them a request to upload their recommendation letters before the deadline.
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How to Apply for the Rowland Fellows Program 2026(Step by Step)
- Prepare and gather all required documents.
- Submit your application through the Harvard Website. Only applications submitted through this platform will be considered.
- Submit your application.
Note: - Once you submit your application, your listed referees will automatically receive instructions for uploading their letters of recommendation.
- You don’t need to complete everything in one go, you can save your progress and return later to update or add to your application before final submission.
- After submitting, you won’t be able to make changes unless you contact the Rowland Fellowship team at [email protected] for reactivation.
- If you’ve used any AI tools during your application process, you must declare them and explain how they were used.
Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad, OR Write a Personal Statement? Here is a Simple Guide for you:
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Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Rowland Fellows Program 2026 is Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EDT).
Be sure to submit all required materials before the deadline, as late applications will not be considered.
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