About Us

What is the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study? 

We encourage you to explore the people, programs, and collections that make the Radcliffe Institute a home to big thinkers, new ideas, cutting-edge research, and thought-provoking events that are free and open to the public:

• The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars and has rapidly become one of the most competitive programs of its kind in the world, with an acceptance rate of only 5 percent for the 2013 class. 
• The Academic Ventures program fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. 
• The Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute’s commitment to women, gender, and society.

What is the Radcliffe Institute's relationship with Harvard?

The Radcliffe Institute is Harvard’s institute for advanced study. While the selection of fellows is independent of the University, many Harvard faculty have been chosen as fellows, and the Institute provides many opportunities and funding for Harvard faculty to advance their research and work. Harvard faculty members are among the Institute’s leadership and serve as advisors to our Academic Ventures program. Our student research program enables Harvard undergraduates to work closely with fellows on their projects throughout the year. Radcliffe and Harvard college alumnae/i lead our advisory councils. 

When was the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study founded?

On October 1, 1999, Radcliffe College and Harvard University officially merged, establishing the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard. On January 1, 2001, noted historian Drew Gilpin Faust became dean of the Radcliffe Institute. Learn more about our history.

Is Radcliffe still a college?

No. Women matriculate at Harvard and receive Harvard diplomas.

The legacy of Radcliffe College—a commitment to excellence and inquiry—continues to guide the work of the Institute, and College alumnae support our mission, attend our events, and stay connected.

Today's undergraduates are engaged in the Institute in a variety of ways, including being employed as research partners for fellows, meeting professors and visiting scholars, and attending various free events featuring artists, scholars, and scientists.

Who funds the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study?

We are supported by individuals—including College alumnae, Harvard alumni, and current and past fellows—and foundations, corporations, endowment distribution, and rental income from our housing and conference-room services. We encourage you to meet our donors and read our Annual Report. 

What about grants and funding?

We offer grants and funding that enable Harvard faculty and students—and researchers and scholars from around the world—to advance new ways of thinking, cutting-edge research, and knowledge. We also host seminars that help Radcliffe Institute fellows and Harvard faculty explore emerging ideas. 

What about jobs?

Radcliffe Institute employees are part of the Harvard University community and are covered by Harvard's personnel policies, practices, and benefits. If you are interested in employment at the Radcliffe Institute, we encourage you to check out our available opportunities.