Visiting Researcher Program

In the interest of promoting scholarly research in Middle East studies, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies appoints a small number of Visiting Researchers each academic year. There are three appointment types. The title Visiting Scholar may be granted to tenured and tenure-track faculty members on paid leave from other institutions. Visiting Fellows are typically specialists in the region who work outside of academia. Advanced doctoral students with funding from their home institution who wish to conduct research at Harvard University with one or more CMES faculty members may also apply for the position of Visiting Fellow. All categories of Visiting Researcher positions are unpaid.

Visiting Researchers hail from diverse fields, including anthropology, government, history, the history of art and architecture, literature, political economy, political science, religion, and urban studies. We welcome applicants with research interests that align with the Center’s intellectual pursuits and research goals for any given year.

For academic year 2024–25, the Center will pursue critical approaches to the study of two themes:

  1. Environment and Climate; and
  2. Palestine

Visiting Researchers contribute to the lively and interdisciplinary community at CMES. Affiliation includes full access to Harvard Libraries and many other University facilities. CMES is not able to provide funding or office space for its Visiting Researchers. To see profiles of the current Visiting Researchers, click here.

Program Requirements

  • Research must align with the Center’s current research goals through the sponsorship of a CMES faculty member
  • VR must be involved in a clearly defined research project that draws upon CMES and University resources and connects to current research priorities (environment/climate or Palestine)
  • VR is expected to participate in Center events and seminars
  • VR appointments generally run from September 1 to June 30 of one academic year. It is recommended that VRs arrive in advance of the academic term (by August 15, for academic year appointments).
  • VR is expected to be in residence in the greater Boston area during the period of appointment
  • VR is expected to deliver a final report to the Director of CMES detailing the work accomplished during the appointment
  • VR is responsible for providing his/her own funding and arranging his/her own living accommodations (frequently, visiting researchers arrange for a living stipend from their home university or from an organization such as Fulbright, IREX, or the Social Science Research Council)
  • VRs who require a visa must abide by the guidelines set by the Harvard International Office. The CMES Associate Director for Research Initiatives, Jesse Howell, will assist with visa preparations.

Please note: CMES Visiting Researcher positions are unpaid academic appointments and are made for minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months. Individuals may hold an appointment for no more than two consecutive years, pending renewal. Part-time appointments or non-consecutive appointments for a fraction of a year will ordinarily count as a one-year appointment when determining eligibility for renewal.

Questions? Please email: cmes_vr@fas.harvard.edu