How to Apply for a Research Fellowship

To apply for a Program in Islamic Law Visiting Fellowship for 2020-2021, please submit the following materials via the online application form:

  • a curriculum vitae
  • two recent publication or a writing sample: one op-ed length article or blog post; and an academic publication (approximately 25 pages in length). All publications or writing samples should be in English.
  • a research statement, not to exceed 1000 words, that describes the proposed work during the fellowship period. The proposal should outline research on in your area of expertise related to contemporary or historical issues of Islamic law, that will make an impact on media, academic, and policy circles. The proposal should further outline a specific project that can be accomplished during the Fellow’s residence at Harvard Law School in that vein, outlining specific activities that the fellow will complete to engage those circles, with a note on the expected impact. For example, completing the writing and distribution of policy papers, meetings with policymakers and journalists, maintaining a blog in conjunction with scholars associated with the Program in Islamic Law — the online portal for Islamic law content and context, and other ideas are all welcome. Applicants need not have a final plan for the distribution, but be open to proposing and finalizing ideas with the leadership at the Program if selected for the fellowship.
  • At least 2 recommendation letters, which must not accompany your electronic application. Your references must fill in the recommendation form and upload their letters at the referee link. The application system will not automatically send your recommender the recommendation form. You must send the link directly to your references by clicking on the link and directing them to the URL.

How to Apply for a Data Science Fellowship

To apply for a Program in Islamic Law Data Science Fellowship for 2020-2021, please submit the following materials via the data science fellowship online application form:

1)       a curriculum vitae

2)      a project proposal and statement of interest, not to exceed 1000 words, that describes the applicant’s computer science / data science or digital humanities background, interest in the Program, and proposed project during the fellowship period. Selected project proposals will be further developed in conjunction with Program faculty and staff

3)      a sample of code or recent work from the applicant’s coding or design portfolio

4)      a recent publication or writing sample (not to exceed 15 pages in length, in English)

5)      at least 2 recommendation letters, uploaded directly by your recommenders at the referee link. Please note that the application system will not automatically send your recommender the recommendation form. You must send the link directly to your references by clicking on the link and directing them to the URL.

  • Please include resources you will need in your project proposal.
 

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit all application materials (including letters of recommendation) is January 31st, 2020.

Note: When you access the application form, you should be ready to enter all request information and to upload all supporting documents (CV, research proposal, and publication/writing sample), as the form cannot be saved.

Additional Information

Funding and Facilities

Fellowships may be non-stipendiary or stipendiary, with a stipend of up to $5,000 per month. The Program in Islamic Law will pay the monthly Law School appointment fee for the duration of a Fellow’s stay at the Program, which will ensure, among other things, library access to all Harvard University libraries, access to University recreational facilities (for an additional fee), an email account at the Law School, membership in the Faculty Club, and free admission to University museums. Research Fellows will receive an office at the Program in Islamic Law or in the Harvard Law Library.

Terms of Appointment

Fellowship terms can be one or two semesters in length.

Activities

Fellows will be expected to participate in Program activities, contribute to the intellectual life of the Program and the Portal, and are encouraged to organize one or more academic events related to their fellowship project. Fellows may take advantage of a wealth of cultural and academic extra-curricular offerings available to the Harvard community on a daily basis. Visiting fellows should come prepared to share their professional experience and expertise, and will have opportunities to meet other scholars through functions organized by numerous groups and programs at Harvard Law School and other parts of the University.

For any questions or for further information, please address queries to Sharon Tai, Deputy Editor at the Program in Islamic Law, at [email protected] or +1.617.495.0580

How to Apply for a Program in Islamic Law Senior Fellowship 

The Program in Islamic Law’s Senior Fellowships are designed to provide tenured professors in the field the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester, or shorter period in residence at Harvard Law School to conduct their own research. Successful applicants will be tenured professors with at least one published book. Please note that these fellowships are typically non-stipendiary, but provide workspace (as available), a Harvard ID and affiliation, and access to the Harvard Library and intellectual community. Fellowship opportunities are subject to space and other considerations. Interested scholars should send a letter of interest, including a short description of the proposed research, research period, and a CV to [email protected], with the subject heading Program in Islamic Law Senior Fellowships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.