The Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship seeks to further the understanding of the cultural exchanges that occurred between the African continent and the Mediterranean region between approximately 1250 and 1750. It is a six-month residential fellowship (January–June) for the spring semester of 2025.

This fellowship is open to post-doctoral researchers who are interested in studying African history and work in fields such art history, archaeology, expressive cultural history, musicology, economic history, intellectual, political, and religious history, literature, and languages. The preference will go to advanced research projects that examine the interactions between Italy and the African continent during the early modern era, which is defined historically as the 14th through the 17th century.

The fellows will reside in I Tatti from January to June 2025, a period of six months. Among the many benefits provided by the Harvard Centre to fellows are access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week and the opportunity to share lunch with other delegates Monday through Friday. Fellows are provided with a designated workplace by Biblioteca Berenson. Fellows are not allowed to take on any extra responsibilities, including part-time teaching roles, during the duration of their fellowship. The fellowship cannot be used to another award or fellowship programme.

Paolo Fresco's gift provides fellows with a set monthly award as well as a one-time supplement to help with moving expenses. At least three days a week must be spent at the Centre by residents who live in Florence. If apartments are not available, housing subsidies are offered. Visas, housing permits, health insurance, and family members must all be obtained by fellows. Applications need to be submitted in either Italian or English.