Weatherhead Research Clusters

Please note: The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University is not accepting applications for new research clusters in Academic Year 2025–2026. 

Born out of a need to complement the Center’s traditional focus of supporting individual faculty and student research, our Weatherhead Research Clusters revolve around hefty questions for the social sciences and the world. These research clusters represent core faculty interests, and aim to make a significant contribution by pushing the frontier of knowledge in their respective fields.

Over the course of three years, each cluster uses its substantial funding to foster collaboration, the form of which will vary across clusters but may include regular seminars, conferences, research projects, and other activities. Their work, to be regularly featured in Weatherhead publications, connects with several of the main disciplines that define the core of the Center. 

Each cluster is spearheaded by a small number of Weatherhead Center faculty chairs, and entails wide participation among faculty, students, and visitors. Postdoctoral fellows may also be connected to—and supported by—cluster funds. Clusters will also have some staff support. 

These research clusters have several specific aims:  

• Strengthen the identity of the center and its intellectual profile while maintaining focus on funding a wide range of faculty research.
• Strengthen future research contributions by promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across Harvard’s many schools and departments.
• Generate ties between undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty by bringing intellectual activity within the walls of the Center.

The Weatherhead Center hopes these clusters will identify additional core faculty research priorities as they develop over the next few years. 

Apply

We are not accepting new applications in Academic Year 2025–2026. For information on the Weatherhead Research Cluster grant competition, see the Opportunities for Faculty section.

Active research clusters often provide their own grants or fellowships to Harvard graduate students. Visit Research Cluster Grants for Graduate Students to see a list of current opportunities.