The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University is launching a series of Open Research Calls to support rigorous, practice-relevant research on urban problem-solving and innovation in local government. Open to researchers and research teams from around the world, the calls will focus on how city leaders can respond to the key challenges facing cities.
We aim to fund research that tests or examines the effectiveness of policies and interventions, as well as research that advances knowledge on the conditions under which city governments can implement solutions, manage performance, and innovate. We welcome proposals from researchers across diverse fields and methodological traditions, including projects developed in partnership with local governments. The first calls will launch in summer 2026.
Together, the Open Research Calls aim to fill critical gaps in knowledge about urban problem-solving and innovation in local government while growing and supporting a global scholarly community dedicated to research on those issues.
To receive updates about upcoming Open Research Calls, sign up here.
Wednesday, June 10
Join the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative to workshop a new teaching case on civic engagement, taught by Jorrit de Jong. The case will be used in executive education programs for mayors and senior leaders.
