Applications Now Open: The $200,000+ Rowland Fellowship 2026 At Harvard University For Experimental Researchers Worldwide -

About the Rowland Fellowship

Are you a rising scientist or engineer with a bold experimental research idea? The Rowland Fellowship 2026 at Harvard University’s Rowland Institute invites exceptional early-career researchers from all over the world to apply for one of the most prestigious and well-funded research fellowships in the academic world.

This prestigious program is designed for young experimentalists who are eager to establish their own independent research programs within the rich academic environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to some of the world’s most influential universities and research hubs. Fellows are given the resources, autonomy, and mentoring needed to transform their scientific ideas into reality.

With a starting annual budget of $225,000, dedicated lab space, and full principal investigator rights, this is not just a fellowship—it’s the launchpad for your academic independence and leadership.

The Rowland Fellowship, offered by the Rowland Institute at Harvard, supports early-career experimental scientists and engineers in establishing and managing their first independent research group. The institute seeks individuals who combine scientific excellence with strong experimental skills and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

This 5-year fellowship provides unparalleled support for selected fellows to develop innovative research programs in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, surrounded by other leading scientists and access to Harvard’s vast scientific infrastructure.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to researchers from all countries and academic backgrounds. The fellowship strongly encourages diverse applicants and welcomes those from underrepresented groups in science and engineering.

This fellowship is open to early-career researchers globally who are passionate about experimental science and engineering. If you’re preparing to complete your PhD or have received your PhD after May 1, 2024, and want to lead your own lab, you’re encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

You are either completing your PhD or earned your PhD on or after May 1, 2024
You will complete your doctoral degree before the fellowship begins

Your research proposal must be experimentally focused in any area of science or engineering
You are not proposing clinical or human-subject research
You may apply from any academic institution worldwide

Open to U.S. citizens and international applicants (visa support provided)

Whether you’re in physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, or another experimental science, you are welcome to apply—the best science wins, regardless of the discipline.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship supports experimental research in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some areas include:

Physics (Condensed Matter, AMO, Quantum, etc.)
Chemistry (Physical, Analytical, Materials, etc.)
Biology and Biophysics

Neuroscience
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Environmental and Earth Sciences

Nanotechnology
Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science and related fields

Note: The fellowship is not designed for theoretical research, computational-only studies, or clinical/human-subject trials.

Benefits of the Rowland Fellowship

Fellows receive one of the most comprehensive and flexible support packages for early-career researchers anywhere in the world:

Research & Laboratory Support:

Full principal investigator (PI) rights
Dedicated lab space, plus access to specialized shared facilities
Start-up funding for specialized equipment and lab infrastructure

Access to Harvard’s scientific ecosystem, including facilities like the Center for Nanoscale Systems and Bauer Life Science Core Facility

Financial Support:

Annual research budget starting at $225,000
- Covers lab supplies, conference travel, and the hiring of postdocs or assistants
Annual salary starting at $89,999
- Includes full Harvard University employee benefits

Academic & Career Development:

Opportunity to mentor and teach undergraduates in research contexts
Ongoing support in:
- Scientific writing
- Grant budgeting
- Lab management and leadership

Access to mentorship programs and leadership training
Part of Harvard’s Core for Mentorship Excellence to promote inclusive and effective research cultures

Technical Support:

On-site staff scientists and engineers available to help design and build custom experimental setups
Access to advanced tools and technical facilities to support cutting-edge experiments

This level of independence, funding, and mentorship is exceptional for early-career researchers, making the Rowland Fellowship a rare and transformative opportunity.

Documents Required

To apply for the Rowland Fellowship, applicants must submit the following documents through Harvard’s online application portal:

250-word elevator pitch that summarizes your research goals for a general audience
Statement of Research (max 3 pages including references) describing your experimental proposal and any relevant prior work

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Vision Statement (max 1 page) outlining how your academic and personal experiences will contribute to building an inclusive, productive research group
Contact details of 3–4 referees who will submit recommendation letters directly (automated email requests will be sent)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only through the official Harvard application portal.

Note: The deadline for the application of this fellowship is Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT

For inquiries about eligibility, submission materials, or the application process, please contact the Rowland Fellowship team directly:

Email: rf@g.harvard.edu

Final Thoughts

The Rowland Fellowship offers a unique chance to build your own lab, pursue bold experimental ideas, and join one of the most innovative scientific communities in the world—all while being generously funded and mentored.

If you’re ready to leap from postdoctoral research to principal investigator, this fellowship is your bridge to independence. Don’t miss the chance to lead your own research agenda at Harvard and make a lasting impact in your field.