***The deadline to submit an application has been extended to February 29, 2024***

The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program established the Tessa Jowell Student Research Fellowship providing up to $15,000 in support of doctoral or post-doctoral level research. Research must focus on health, education, or other aspects of human development impacting prospects for sustainable economic growth in countries participating in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program.

The Fellowship entails funding and liaison support for in-country and remote work with the relevant Ministry or Ministries. It is expected research will be done partly in the U.S. and partly in Africa in coordination with the relevant Ministry in the country concerned in conjunction with the Harvard Ministerial Program.

The Fellowship is open to students of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Research focus: Applicants are expected to propose an original research topic informed by empirical evidence of the topic’s priority in the broad parameters of national human capital development with particular attention to health, education, and optimizing the potential for sustainable economic growth. For example, some priority topics defined by Ministers in the above countries include: reproductive health (specifically increasing adolescent access and acceptance); early childhood nutrition and combatting stunting; improving teachers’ motivation and performance (particularly in primary school); increasing acceptability of and enrollment in Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions; adapting education curricula to the changing nature of work; social entrepreneurship to strengthen health and/or education service delivery and/or programs; and increasing job creation opportunities for unemployed young Africans.

To apply, please submit a CV and a one-page research proposal outlining the principal objectives of your research, the proposed methodology, and expected outcomes. Please indicate the expected timing of the research project and any other sources of funding for your project. Please submit your application here by February 29, 2024.

The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program is a joint initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Working with Ministers of Education, Finance, Health, Gender, and Youth, the program aims to promote and enable purposeful, goal-oriented ministerial leadership in these pivotal ministries, sound human development policies and programs, as well as coordination of cross-sectoral programs and investment priorities in support of national economic development goals.