Harvard Kennedy School Technology & Human Rights Fellowship 2026–2027

The Technology & Human Rights Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr-Ryan Center focuses on the critical intersection between technology, democracy, and human rights. The fellowship explores major themes such as surveillance capitalism, digital-age democracy, epistemic rights, AI governance, and the political implications of emerging technologies. Fellows engage with the groundbreaking work of Professors Shoshana Zuboff and Mathias Risse, whose research investigates how digital systems influence political life, human freedom, and global rights protections.

Fellows meet virtually twice a month, participate in on-campus convenings, and join an international community of scholars, researchers, and practitioners working on technology and human rights.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
2. Value: Unfunded fellowship; travel subsidies provided; limited office space during short visits
3. Study Level: Fellowship (scholars, researchers, practitioners)
4. Sponsor: Harvard Kennedy School
5. Course to Study: Technology, Human Rights, Digital Age Research
6. Eligible Country: All countries

Eligibility Criteria for Harvard Kennedy School Technology & Human Rights Fellowship 2026–2027

1. Open to early-career, mid-career, and senior theorists, researchers, and practitioners.
2. Past fellows include post-docs, academics on sabbatical, human rights advocates, and professionals from diverse fields (law, healthcare, journalism, education, etc.).
3. Projects should connect to:
4. Shoshana Zuboff’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019) and her 2022 paper.
5. Mathias Risse’s Political Theory of the Digital Age (2023).

Benefits of Harvard Kennedy School Technology & Human Rights Fellowship 2026–2027

Academic & Professional Growth

1. Fellows join twice-monthly virtual discussions to refine their research and exchange ideas.
2. Access to on-campus convenings each semester, fostering collaboration and intellectual exchange.
3. Opportunities to audit classes, meet Harvard faculty, and engage with experts across the university.
4. Fellows can lead student study groups and participate in broader learning opportunities at Harvard Kennedy School.

Networking & Collaboration

1. Fellows become part of a global cohort of 10–15 participants, building connections across disciplines.
2. Exposure to diverse professionals, including academics, human rights advocates, and leaders in law, healthcare, journalism, and education.

Research Support

1. The fellowship provides a structured environment to advance projects toward publication.
2. Fellows’ work is aligned with cutting-edge research on surveillance capitalism, democracy, and digital-age political theory.

Financial & Logistical Support

1. Travel subsidies are provided for on-campus convenings.
2. Access to Harvard’s resources and intellectual community without the burden of full tuition or fees.

How to Apply

For more information, visit Harvard Kennedy School Carr-Ryan Center Technology and Human Rights Fellowship

Application Deadline

22 February, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Harvard Kennedy School Technology & Human Rights Fellowship 2026–2027