Deadline: 15-Nov-2025
The Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship seeks to stimulate and support increased scholarship on cultural exchanges between the African continent and the Mediterranean world.
It is a six-month residential fellowship for the spring term of 2027 (January-June). The fellowship is designed for post-doctoral scholars in fields related to the study of African history, including art history, archaeology, the history of expressive cultures, musicology, economic history, intellectual, political, and religious history, as well as literature and languages. Preference will be given to advanced research projects that address the relationship between the African continent and Italy during the early modern period, broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14th through the 17th centuries.
Successful applicants will have a solid background in African history and its global exchanges in the early modern world. At the time of application, scholars must have a PhD in hand and will be asked to upload a scan of the certificate. They must not be working on a second PhD. Applicants must be fluent in either English, Italian, or French. Candidates offered the fellowship will spend a six-month term in Florence at I Tatti with access to local and regional resources including libraries, photographic collections, archives, museums, and collections. The fellow will be expected to carry out original research on the topic for which they have been awarded their fellowship. The proposed research project may represent a segment of a larger project.
The fellowship can only be held once and cannot be deferred. Term Fellowships are intended for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti, except in the case of Graduate Fellows. The fellowship requires scholars to be fully engaged in their research and not undertake any other professional obligations during the period of residency.
Fellows will receive a grant of USD 5,200 per month, made possible by a generous grant from Paolo Fresco, along with a one-time supplement of up to USD 1,800 towards relocation expenses. Due to the residential nature of the fellowship, fellows must reside in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the Center. Whenever possible, an apartment will be provided rent-free, with utility charges to be covered by the fellow. In cases where an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy will be offered to help with rental expenses.
The fellowship runs from January to June 2027. Fellows will have full access to the Harvard Center’s privileges, including the Biblioteca Berenson, open seven days a week, and will enjoy weekday lunches with other appointees. A reserved workspace in the Biblioteca Berenson is also provided. The fellowship cannot be held concurrently with another award or fellowship.
Fellows are personally responsible for securing a visa, permesso di soggiorno, and health coverage, including arrangements for accompanying family members if necessary. All applications must be written in English or Italian and submitted electronically by midnight (Cambridge, MA time) on November 15, 2025. Applicants may only apply to one fellowship type at I Tatti per academic year.
For more information, visit I Tatti.
