The Fellows Program is the principal forum for the interaction of practitioners with the faculty, students, and visiting scholars of the Weatherhead Center. The program was inaugurated in 1958, simultaneously with the establishment of the Center itself, in the belief that the Center’s research activities would benefit from the contributions of nonacademic professionals with broad practical experience in international affairs, and that the Center could broaden the practitioners’ horizons and deepen their understanding of the contemporary issues in which they are professionally involved. While on campus, Fellows are exposed to social science theories and research intended to place their experiences in a more general perspective. Their primary activity is to work on a research project of their choosing. They may also audit courses, organize and lead study groups for Harvard undergraduates, participate in seminars at the Center and elsewhere, provide advice to undergraduate and graduate students, and otherwise interact with the faculty, visiting scholars, and other members of the University’s community. For all successful applicants, the Center establishes an agreement with a Harvard faculty member associated with the Weatherhead Center that results in the formation of an active scholarly relationship. Past Fellows have been senior diplomats, military officers, politicians, journalists, international civil servants, officials from nongovernmental organizations, and business leaders from around the world. The single characteristic they all share is leadership in international affairs, as demonstrated by both a record of past achievement and the promise of future accomplishments. Kathleen Molony is the Fellows Program director.

Fellows’ and Visitors’ Biweekly Seminar Series

The Fellows’ and Visitors’ Biweekly Seminar Series is designed to encourage academic and practitioner visitors to the WCFIA to share their research interests on a regular basis. These seminars go beyond the discussion of current events; they help to expose practitioners to scholarly modes of inquiry and scholars to matters of practical application of international affairs. Topics may include contemporary American politics, race, religion, and ethnicity in American society, and recent groundbreaking developments in the natural sciences. Biweekly seminars provide an opportunity for the Fellows to become acquainted with scholars and to develop theoretical understandings and general perspectives that are difficult to develop in most task-oriented professional positions. The seminar is also attended by occasional Harvard faculty and local officials. Recent guests of the seminar have been Professors Rawi Abdelal, David Barron, Nicholas Burns, Jorge I. Domínguez, Jennifer Leaning, Pippa Norris, Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Louise Richardson, Beth A. Simmons, Ezra Vogel, and such prominent local individuals as former Massachusetts Governor Michael S. Dukakis. With the depth of experience and variety of viewpoints around the table, the exchange of ideas in these seminars is very spirited and is beneficial to both practitioners and scholars. The Fellows Program is located at 61 Kirkland Street.

Related Links

• Fellows Program Web site
• Current Program Affiliates
• Funding: Faculty Nominations for Weatherhead Center Fellows
• Funding: Undergraduate Research Assistants to Fellows