Harvard Society of Fellows

Harvard Society of Fellows

Formation	1933
Type	Academic fellowship
Headquarters	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Location	United States
Membership	Approximately 30 fellows

The Harvard Society of Fellows is an elite group of scholars selected for their potential in research and teaching, based at Harvard University. Established in 1933 with a gift from Anna M. Lowell, the Society aims to provide promising scholars freedom to pursue their studies with minimal formal requirements. Members of the society, known as Junior Fellows, are selected from a wide range of academic disciplines and are given the opportunity to work at Harvard for three years, free from teaching obligations.

History

The Harvard Society of Fellows was founded in 1933 by a group of Harvard alumni, which included the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and the economist John Maynard Keynes. The Society was created as a response to the increasing specialization in academia, aiming to foster a community of intellectual exchange across various fields.

Membership

Membership in the Society is highly competitive and involves a rigorous selection process. Junior Fellows are chosen not only for their past achievements but also for their potential to contribute to their academic fields. The fellowship includes a stipend, allowing fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to research.

Program Structure

Junior Fellows are appointed for a period of three years, during which they are encouraged to pursue their own research agenda without the obligation to teach. This freedom is intended to foster innovative and cross-disciplinary research. Fellows are also expected to participate in the Society's weekly dinners, where they present and discuss their work with other fellows and Senior Fellows.

Notable Fellows

Over the years, the Harvard Society of Fellows has included many distinguished scholars who have made significant contributions to their fields. Notable fellows have included Nobel laureates, Fields Medal winners, and other highly recognized scholars.

Impact

The Harvard Society of Fellows has had a significant impact on academia by supporting early-career scholars and encouraging interdisciplinary research. Its model has inspired the creation of similar institutions at other universities, promoting a broader exchange of ideas across different fields of study.

See Also

• Harvard University
• Fellowship
• Interdisciplinary research

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