Harvard University – John F. Kennedy School of Government – Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs – Artic Initiative

In the 2024-2025  academic year, we will prioritize policy-focused proposals on:

1. Permafrost Thaw (policy implications of improved understanding of how pace of permafrost thaw and pace of global climate change interact; regional impacts of permafrost thaw under plausible scenarios; adaptation/resilience measures against regional impacts; communication of findings to key regional & global audiences);
2. The Arctic Ocean and Environment (climate change impacts; human health impacts; marine litter; ocean pollution; ocean acidification and biodiversity; natural resource management and efficient utilization of marine resources; international and scientific collaborations and challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities);
3. Resilience in the Far North (infrastructure; transportation; health; food security; community empowerment; governance; culture; connectivity; tourism; shipping; and renewable energy in remote communities – including environmental and economic impacts and exploring ways to increase the resilience of and sustainable development for local Arctic communities and the ecosystems upon which they depend); and
4. Arctic Governance, Shipping, and Security (Arctic collaboration; maritime navigation and new shipping routes; diplomacy and geopolitics; and risk management and disaster response).

Arctic residents and Indigenous candidates, including pre- and postdoctoral scholars, and seasoned practitioners are encouraged to apply. Fellows are expected to be in residence during their fellowship term.

The Arctic Initiative is a joint project of the Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at the Belfer Center and fellows will interact — and collaborate — with fellows from both programs, as well as with faculty, visiting policy makers, and other experts at the Belfer Center and the Harvard Kennedy School.