We currently are not taking applications. The below is for informational purposes only.
The Animal Law & Policy Visiting Fellowships provide opportunities for outstanding scholars from a range of disciplines and legal practitioners to spend from three months to one academic year undertaking research, writing, and scholarly engagement on academic projects in the field of animal law and policy.
Fellows devote their time to scholarly activities in furtherance of their research agendas and to contributing to the community of the Animal Law & Policy Program. Fellows will be expected to participate in Program activities, contribute to the intellectual life of the Program, and are encouraged to organize one or more academic events related to their fellowship project. Fellows also have the opportunity to mentor students and contribute to the Animal Law & Policy Program’s broader presence.
Fellows have access to a wide range of resources offered by Harvard University, are provided office space at HLS, and receive a monthly stipend in an amount consistent with other Fellowship programs at HLS.
We welcome applicants with a J.D., LL.M., S.J.D., Ph.D. or other comparable degree. We also welcome applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds, including the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, provided that the applicant’s research agenda relates to animal law and policy. For the 2024-25 academic year, we particularly are interested in establishing a cluster of Visiting Fellows working on topics at the intersection of animals, climate change, and sustainability. We also are interested in candidates seeking to create book-length publications on animal agriculture and factory farming.
Applicants will be evaluated by the quality and significance of their research proposals, and by their record of academic and professional achievement.
Applicants are encouraged to apply via the online application form:
- a curriculum vitae
- a recent publication or a writing sample (approximately 25 pages in length). All publications or writing samples should be in English.
- a research statement, not to exceed 1000 words, that: 1) describes the proposed work during the fellowship period (the proposal should outline a specific research project that can be accomplished during the Fellow’s residence at Harvard Law School); and 2) sets forth a specific work output for the completed project (e.g., book, article, etc.).
You also will be asked to arrange for two letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by your referees via our online portal. Late applications will not be considered.
Here you can view a full list of past Fellows.
Additional Information
Funding and Facilities
Fellows will receive a stipend of up to $5,000 per month. The Animal Law & Policy Program also will pay the monthly Law School appointment fee for the duration of a Fellow’s stay at the Program, which will ensure, among other things, access to all Harvard University libraries, access to University recreational facilities (for a nominal fee), an email account at the Law School, membership in the Faculty Club, and free admission to University museums. Visiting Fellows will receive office space at the Animal Law & Policy Program, which may be shared with one or more Fellows.
Terms of Appointment
Fellowship terms are variable, from a minimum of three months to a maximum of one academic year.
Residence Requirements
With exceptions for a limited amount of personal and professional travel, Visiting Fellows are expected to be in residence at the Animal Law & Policy Program throughout the term of their appointment in order to foster an intellectual community, share ideas, and contribute to Program projects and events.
Housing
The Animal Law & Policy Program does not provide housing. No housing should be expected in University apartments or dormitory rooms, for which Harvard faculty and students have priority. Accepted fellows are encouraged to seek outside housing several months before arriving in Cambridge, preferably in person. There is information on housing on the Harvard International Office website.
Health Insurance
All Visiting Fellows must show proof of having adequate health insurance. Those who do not already possess such insurance can access information on obtaining Harvard Affiliate Health Insurance at the Harvard University Health Services website. A less expensive plan, available by the month, has been negotiated by Harvard’s International Office for international scholars.
Faculty Club
Fellows are allowed access to the Harvard Faculty Club. The Club serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday.
Activities
Fellows may take advantage of a wealth of cultural and academic extra-curricular offerings available to the Harvard community on a daily basis. Fellows should come prepared to share their professional experience and expertise, and will have opportunities to meet other scholars through functions organized by numerous groups and programs at Harvard Law School and other parts of the University.
Other Details
Fellows do not have faculty status. Appointment as a Fellow does not entitle the individual to participate in any Harvard degree program.
For any questions or for further information, please address queries to Ceallaigh Reddy, Animal Law & Policy Program Administrator, at [email protected] or +1.617.496.5145.
