Our Purpose
The Harkness Fellows Association and Transatlantic Trust is the alumni association of the Harkness Fellowships, an international programme offering study fellowships in the USA. The Company is a charity set up with the aim of encouraging transatlantic understanding. By sustaining a supportive learning network of Harkness Fellows, we develop, encourage and promote initiatives that enhance international learning and understanding.
Membership of the Harkness Fellows Association is open to all interested in transatlantic relationships. The core of our members are former Harkness and Commonwealth Fund Fellows who at some stage in their careers enjoyed the benefit of living, studying and travelling in the United States of America,
If you wish to join the Harkness Fellows Association, please click here ».
History
Harkness Fellowships (known as Commonwealth Fund Fellowships until 1960) were set up by Edward Harkness – a major benefactor on both sides of the Atlantic – in 1925. They were funded by the Harkness family foundation, the Commonwealth Fund of New York. Over the years the scheme has gradually changed to reflect prevailing priorities for the Commonwealth Fund and transatlantic study opportunities, as well as to include fellows from many other countries, not just the UK. Read more »
The Harkness Fellows Association, set up by a number of former holders of Harkness Fellowships in the UK, was registered as a charity on 13 September 2001. The HFA has no full-time staff. Its activities are carried out on a voluntary basis by committee members and part-time administrative assistance is provided by Lizzie Clark. Read more »
Forthcoming Events
The Harkness Fellows Association runs a regular programme of events open to Harkness Fellows and their guests, and other interested parties.
Tuesday 30th January – Professor Satvinder Juss will consider topical Issues in the judiciary.
Save the Date
Harkness Stories
The Harkness Fellows Association welcomes all returning fellows to its network and events. See more about the most recent returning Harkness Fellows in Healthcare Policy and Practice here. Harkness and Commonwealth Fund Fellows have spanned the breadth of human endeavour in their studies and careers. Many have led innovation and discovery in their respective fields. Many have been active in voluntary and charitable activities as well as pursuing successful careers. The HFA wants to share more stories of former fellows. Please share your alumni story with us. See here for guidance on what to cover in your story.
Features
A Lifetime Impact?
The Fellowships have a lifetime impact for each individual Harkness Fellow. Many tell us that their time in the US was a life changing experience. But how was it for the youngsters who accompanied their parent Harkness Fellow to live in the USA for anything from a few months to a year. Torn from their regular routines, would this be remembered as a great adventure, an extended holiday, or the foundations of some key elements of their future lives? We asked some now adult Harkness offspring about their memories and the impact it had on their lives.
Recent Events
Harkness Fellows meet regularly to hear stimulating speakers and discuss current topics. In keeping with the spirit of inquiry that all Harkness Fellows have, fostered by their time in the US, the issues explored are wide ranging and provocative.
Anthony Cary CMG – How National is the National Interest?
Anthony Cary, was a diplomat who served as chef de cabinet to Chris Patten in the European Commission, and later as British Ambassador to Sweden and High Commissioner to Canada. He is Chairman of the Canada-UK Council. He was a Harkness Fellow from 1980 to 82. He spoke to Fellows in June, on the national interest.