Scholars specializing in the Italian Renaissance have a unique opportunity to advance their post-doctoral research with the opening of applications for the Fifteen I Tatti Residential Year Fellowships. This prestigious program offers a year of dedicated study in Florence, providing access to exceptional resources and a vibrant academic community.
Key Takeaways
- Opportunity: Fifteen twelve-month residential fellowships for post-doctoral research on the Italian Renaissance.
- Focus: Broadly defined historical and geographical scope of the Italian Renaissance (14th-17th centuries), including transnational dialogues.
- Eligibility: PhD or equivalent awarded between January 1, 2015, and September 1, 2025; fluency in English or Italian.
- Benefits: $65,000 grant, relocation support, rent-free housing or subsidy, access to extensive library collections, and participation in scholarly events.
- Deadline: October 15, 2025, for applications; October 20, 2025, for recommendation letters.
About the Fellowship
The I Tatti Residential Year Fellowships are designed to support advanced post-doctoral research within the Italian Renaissance. The program embraces a wide historical and geographical interpretation of the period, encouraging studies that explore transnational connections between Italy and other cultures, such as Latin American, Mediterranean, African, and Asian influences. Research areas can span art and architecture, history, literature, material culture, music and performance, philosophy, religion, and science. The fellowship also welcomes projects focusing on the transmission of ideas and objects during the Renaissance, as well as the historiography of the field.
What Fellows Receive
Each of the fifteen selected scholars will receive a $65,000 grant, along with support for relocation. Fellows will be provided with rent-free apartments at I Tatti or a housing subsidy. They will also receive weekday lunches and gain full access to the Biblioteca Berenson and Harvard Library’s extensive online resources. The fellowship aims to foster a dynamic scholarly environment through seminars, workshops, conferences, and lectures, encouraging collaboration and intellectual exchange. Fellows are expected to share their work-in-progress early in the year to receive constructive feedback.
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible, scholars must hold a PhD, dottorato di ricerca, or an equivalent degree awarded between January 1, 2015, and September 1, 2025. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or Italian, with comprehension of both languages being advantageous. A strong background in Italian Renaissance studies and evidence of preliminary research are essential. While postdoctoral studies are preferred, significant reworkings of dissertations may also be considered. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have limited access to resources in Italy.
A specific fellowship, supported by the Florence Gould Foundation, is available for scholars focusing on Franco-Italian Renaissance topics, residing in France, or holding French citizenship. Applicants meeting these criteria should clearly indicate this in their application.
Applications must be submitted electronically in English or Italian by October 15, 2025. Two letters of recommendation are also required and must be submitted online by October 20, 2025. The fellowship period runs from July 1 to June 30, with residential requirements commencing in September. Fellows are expected to reside in Florence and actively participate in the intellectual life of the institution.
