Fifteen I Tatti Fellowships, each for twelve months, are available annually for post-doctoral research in any aspect of the Italian Renaissance broadly understood historically to include the period from the 14th to the 17th century and geographically to include transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.).

I Tatti offers Fellows the precious time they need to pursue their studies with a minimum of obligations and interruptions together with a maximum of scholarly resources—a combination that distinguishes the Harvard Center from similar institutions. In order to foster a collaborative spirit, Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and to spend at least three days a week at the center. Lunch and tea are served each weekday, and the I Tatti community takes shape over these convivial occasions. Rather than present a traditional paper at the end of the year, Fellows give informal presentations in the early Fall. This provides an opportunity to explore problems and questions and receive valuable feedback from other members of the community during the extended discussion period. Each year, a limited number of activities organized at I Tatti are reserved for the Fellows, and they join the wider community at conferences, lectures, and concerts.

Eligibility
Fellows are selected by an international and interdisciplinary committee that welcomes applications from scholars from all nations. The committee aims to assess the ability of candidates to contribute in a collegial way to the intellectual life of the Harvard Center. It pays special attention to the strength of the proposed project and its potential to yield original results, and to the candidate’s curriculum vitae.

At the time of application, scholars must hold a PhD, dottorato di ricerca, or an equivalent degree. They must be conversant in either English or Italian and able to understand both languages. They should be in the early stages of their career, having received a PhD between 2007-2016 and have a solid background in Italian Renaissance studies. (NB: The PhD certificate must bear a date between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016, inclusive.)

The project must represent advanced research in the Italian Renaissance, broadly defined historically as the period ranging from the 14th to the 17th centuries and geographically to include transnational dialogues between Italy and other cultures (e.g. Latin American, Mediterranean, African, Asian etc.). Subjects covered include art and architecture, history, literature, material culture, music, philosophy, religion, and science. Scholars can also apply to work on the transmission and circulation of ideas, objects, and people during the Renaissance, into and beyond the Italian peninsula, or on the historiography of the Italian Renaissance, including the rebirth of interest in the Renaissance in later periods. It must be possible for applicants to carry out most of their research in Florence with the resources available in the city and at I Tatti. Preference is given to a postdoctoral research project.