Research Scholar Initiative

Research scholars work with a Harvard faculty member as a research assistant and participate in professional development seminars. Research scholars are considered full-time, non-degree-seeking students and register each term as special students. In addition, scholars may take undergraduate and/or graduate coursework in preparation for doctoral studies. While Harvard Griffin GSAS cannot guarantee admission to Harvard or peer doctoral programs, the goal of the initiative is to enhance scholars’ competitiveness when applying to a doctoral program. We mainly accept students from disciplines in the life sciences, engineering and applied sciences, quantum science and engineering, natural and artificial intelligence, classics, and, in some years, economics. We may accept applicants from other disciplines on a case-by-case basis, but these slots are not always guaranteed. 

The Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) strongly encourages applications from students from groups underrepresented in the academy.

Admissions decisions are made in March and April, and the program begins in July. Only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. 

To express your interest in RSI, please fill out this short interest form.

Learn more:

• Research Scholars in Classics
• Research Scholars in Economics (currently on hold)
• Research Scholars in Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Research Scholars in Life Sciences
• Research Scholars in Natural and Artificial Intelligence at the Kempner Institute
• Research Scholars in Quantum Science and Engineering at the Harvard Quantum Initiative

Have additional questions about the program? Visit our FAQ page.