Press Release
from Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School (Cambridge, MA) is pleased to announce its 2023–2024 cohort of Fellows.
The fellowship cohort includes 67 new Fellows representing senior government officials, practitioners, and academics from across the globe.
Among the 2023–2024 cohort are seven new Senior Fellows joining the Belfer Center, including Karen Donfried, President Biden’s former Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs; Stephen J. Hadley, the 20th U.S. National Security Advisor, a position he held under President George W. Bush; and John Tien, the 8th Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, working in the Biden Administration.
“The Belfer Center is fortunate to benefit from the extraordinary public service of Karen Donfried, Steve Hadley, and John Tien,” said Meghan O’Sullivan, Director of the Belfer Center. “In addition to their commitment to service and their extensive time in government, each brings something unique and invaluable to the Center.”
Of these appointments, O’Sullivan says:
"Karen comes to us fresh from leading intense engagements with Europe on behalf of the U.S. government in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
"Steve, from his time as National Security Advisor, brings unparalleled understanding of how the U.S. government works, and how the United States works with allies and partners in every part of the world."
"John—a former HKS student and National Security Fellow—can bridge the domestic with the international, something he did every day at the Department of Homeland Security."
Senior Fellows are are selected based on demonstrated leadership qualities, professional career success, and shared passion with the Belfer Center to train the next generation of policy leaders and join a rich community of over 120 existing resident and non-resident Belfer Center Fellows.
“Karen, Steve, and John will offer our students an unmatched opportunity to bridge theory with reality,” said O’Sullivan. “I am proud to have them join our community and am excited about their ability to shape tomorrow's leaders.”
The Center’s Intelligence Project welcomes Ellen McCarthy, former Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Intelligence as Senior Fellow.
The Intelligence Project also welcomes Eric Traupe, former Assistant Director of the CIA for the Near East as Senior Fellow.
The Middle East Initiative announces Mohammed Alyahya, former Editor-in-Chief of Al Arabiya English, as a new Senior Fellow.
Margaret Williams, former Managing Director of the Arctic Field Program of the World Wildlife Fund, joins the Arctic Initiative as a new Senior Fellow.
“Fellows’ unique expertise and experience are a critical piece of our work,” says O’Sullivan. “Their engagement deepens our research by providing an understanding of critical policy issues and practicalities.”
Additionally, the 2023–2024 Belfer Center Fellows are (by research team):
Applied History Project
All Fellows jointly appointed with other Belfer Center research teams
Arctic Initiative
Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program
Environment and Natural Resources Program &
Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program
International Security Program
Project on Managing the Atom
All Fellows jointly appointed with other Belfer Center research teams
Middle East Initiative
In 2023, the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the past half century, we have been home to nearly 1,400 Fellows.
For more information on the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, visit BelferCenter.org
For coverage opportunities, contact Shannon Felton Spence, shannon_spence@hks.harvard.edu.