The Scholars at Risk Program at Harvard has been the largest, most vigorously active, and most successful program of its kind in the country, and perhaps in the world. A member of an international network of participating universities, Harvard SAR has provided sanctuary to dozens of professors, lecturers, researchers, artists, writers, and other intellectuals who are at risk. The risk may be related to the scholar’s work, but it may also be a consequence of the scholar’s ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political opinions. By supplying ten-month or year-long academic positions to excellent and accomplished scholars in need, Harvard SAR helps scholars to escape dangerous conditions and to continue their important work. Most fellowships are awarded for the upcoming academic year, but SAR at Harvard does accept emergency applications whenever possible. (Note: Fellowships cannot be deferred or reserved for persons who decline the fellowship, elect not to come, or are unable to come; such persons, if interested in applying again, may do so.)

"Academics in the U.S. are a privileged breed: we do work we love without political or social constraints to temper our views. We owe it to fellow academics less fortunate than ourselves to support and assist them, as scientists, journalists, artists, and others have done for their peers." -- Jacqueline Bhabha, Professor and Co-Chair of the Scholars at Risk Committee

"Scholars at Risk is a program that would not exist if the world were a better place. But in a dark time it is absolutely necessary. More than fifty years ago, a small number of enlightened educational institutions struggled to provide protection to scholars threatened by Nazi persecution. A comparable struggle, based on the solidarity and compassion of scholars, is once again incumbent upon us." -- Stephen Greenblatt, Professor and Co-Chair of the Scholars at Risk Committee