Villa I Tatti the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies invites applications for the Wallace Fellowship. The residential fellowship supports postdoctoral scholars who study how the Italian Renaissance has been understood, interpreted and transformed in the modern era especially from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries.
Up to four fellowships are awarded each year. Scholars of all nationalities may apply.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Wallace Fellowship |
| Host | Villa I Tatti Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies |
| Location | Florence Italy |
| Duration | 4 or 6 months |
| Monthly grant | USD 5200 |
| Relocation support | Up to USD 1800 one-time |
| Number of awards | Up to 4 per year |
| Application deadline | 16 November 2026 |
Research Focus
The fellowship supports projects on the historiography, legacy transformation and impact of the Italian Renaissance in the modern world.
Possible research areas include:
- Historiography of the Italian Renaissance
- Modern reactions and responses to the Renaissance
- Transformations and reinterpretations of Renaissance ideas
- Commentary on the Renaissance and its relationship with modernity
- Museum history
- Collecting history
- Survival of Renaissance traditions in modern art and architecture
- Photography
- Landscape architecture
- Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political thought
Projects may also explore the impact of Renaissance ideas across other fields if they clearly engage with the historiography or modern legacy of the Renaissance. Also see i-SEA Fellowship 2026 Singapore: Fully Funded for Student Content Creators
What Fellows Receive
Successful Fellows receive:
- USD 5200 per month for the duration of the fellowship
- A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1800
- Possible access to a rent-free apartment subject to availability
- A housing subsidy if suitable accommodation cannot be provided
- Access to the scholarly resources of the Harvard Center
- Use of the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week
- Lunch with other appointees from Monday through Friday
Term Fellows do not receive a separate office. They have access to a desk or carrel in the Library.
Fellows become part of the intellectual community at Villa I Tatti and are expected to take part in selected academic activities including conferences, lectures and concerts.
Residential Requirements
The fellowship is residential. Fellows must live in the Florence area for the full appointment. They must spend at least three days per week at the Centre.
This arrangement allows several months of focused research in a major centre for Italian Renaissance studies.
Eligibility
Applicants must already hold a PhD at the time of application. A scanned copy of the PhD certificate is required. Candidates cannot be enrolled in a second PhD programme.
Priority is given to early and mid-career scholars. Applicants should have strong English language skills and familiarity with Italian.
Scholars from all countries are welcome. Special consideration is given to candidates who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.
Eligible disciplines include art and architecture, landscape architecture, history, literature, material culture, music, philosophy, religion and science.
Projects must focus on the historiography or modern impact of the Italian Renaissance. Most of the proposed research must be possible to conduct in Florence.
Important Conditions
Fellows must work solely on the project submitted with the application. The project may form part of a larger research plan but Fellows cannot work on other books or article projects at the same time.
Fellows may not take on other obligations including teaching even on a part-time basis. The award cannot be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
Applicants who receive partial salary support or external grants must disclose this and obtain necessary permission.
Term Fellowships at Villa I Tatti can generally be held only once and cannot be deferred.
The Fellow is responsible for any required visa Italian residence documentation and health coverage.
How to Apply for Wallace Fellowship
Applications may be submitted in English or Italian. Electronic applications are due by midnight Cambridge Massachusetts time on 16 November 2026.
Applicants may apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.
Each applicant must arrange for two scholars familiar with their work to submit letters of recommendation online. Recommendation letters are due by 21 November 2026.
Register referees early so they have enough time to complete their letters.
What Makes a Strong Application
Applications are assessed by international scholars. Selection considers the quality and originality of the proposed research project and its potential to generate original results. The curriculum vitae is also important.
The committee considers whether the applicant can contribute collegially to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center.
Present a clear research proposal that explains the significance of the project its connection to the fellowship focus and why research in Florence is essential. Show how your academic background prepares you to complete the work successfully.
Key Takeaways
- Residential fellowship at Villa I Tatti in Florence for research on the modern legacy of the Italian Renaissance
- Duration of 4 or 6 months with a monthly grant of USD 5200
- One-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1800
- Possible rent-free housing or housing subsidy
- Open to scholars of all nationalities who already hold a PhD
- Priority for early and mid-career researchers
- Application deadline 16 November 2026
- Recommendation letters due 21 November 2026
- Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the Centre