PhD Fellowship


The Herchel Smith Fellowship recognizes truly exceptional PhD students pursuing research in the life sciences at Harvard. Incoming graduate students are recruited in collaboration with a HILS Ph.D. program. Each of the 13 Harvard life‑science PhD programs may nominate one of their exceptional admitted students and the Herchel Smith Fellowship Committee selects approximately 4–5 fellows each year from these nominations.


The Herchel Smith Fellowship Program offers graduate students financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for academic and professional collaboration, including:

  • Fellows receive a stipend, tuition, health insurance, and health fees for two years

  • The option to participate in a lab‑exchange program with the University of Cambridge

  • Attendance at the annual Herchel Smith Symposium which alternates each year between the Harvard and University Campus
     

Herchel Smith