Open Call for 2026 Bellagio Center Residencies

Across the world, artists, policymakers, practitioners, scholars and other leaders are hard at work to develop and advance solutions that will improve lives and livelihoods. These changemakers are exploring new ways to create economic opportunity; to nourish children and families with food that is good for people and the planet; to ensure healthy, resilient communities in the face of more extreme weather events; and to expand access to energy so children can study at night and entrepreneurs can power their businesses.

At a dynamic and divisive moment in many countries — when long-standing norms, systems, and institutions are facing increased pressure — new ideas and new voices can carry unique weight. Yet these leaders and their novel solutions require the time, space, and opportunity to be developed. It is by bridging connections across sectors and professions, political affiliations, and national borders that transformative leaders and solutions can truly flourish.

This makes the The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program as important as ever. For more than 60 years, the Bellagio Center has welcomed innovators, trailblazers, changemakers, and champions to advance specific breakthrough projects. Through the program, residents and alumni form the sort of lasting bonds that power large-scale change. By sharing their knowledge, approaches, and perspectives, residents strengthen their solutions and collectively transform the issues that define our present and shape our future.

The Rockefeller Foundation is excited to announce our next call for leaders that want to develop their transformative solution in Bellagio — while benefiting from engagement and collaboration with other global leaders who share a common desire to improve the well-being of humanity.

We are now accepting applications to participate in the Bellagio Center Residency Program in 2026.

To apply for a 2026 Bellagio Center residency, complete the pre-application questionnaire no later than Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time.

Our general open call accepts applications from exceptional leaders in any field or area of practice. For 2026 residencies, we are especially interested in new solutions, approaches, knowledge, and art that inspire change in the following areas: integrating nutrition into the healthcare system, using artificial intelligence technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and addressing challenges to energy, food, and water systems, finance, migration, and women and girls at a time of climate change.

Want to apply? Know someone who should? Visit the Bellagio Center Residency Program page to learn more and start your application today.

Meet our 2025 and 2024 Bellagio Center Residents

To learn more about who a Bellagio resident is, and what they do, check out our 2025 class here. This year’s class includes 105 global leaders from 33 countries, who are advancing a range of projects that reflect The Rockefeller Foundation’s mission to “promote the well-being of humanity.” Among them are Nobel Prize winner and scientist Carlos Nobre (Brazil), New York Times Bestselling Author Tara Westover (United States), world renowned “farm to table” chef Robert Oliver (New Zealand), renowned digital artist Prince Igwe (Nigeria), award-winning broadcaster and author Krista Tippett (United States).

We are also proud to share the full details of our 2024 class. This cohort included 110 global leaders, representing a multifaceted array of perspectives, disciplines, issue areas, and backgrounds. These residents are using technology, business approaches, science, economics, books, and art to transform our world for the better. This illustrious group includes, among others:

From left to right: Intellectual Property Expert Tahir Amin (United Kingdom) and Scientist and Innovator Solomon Assefa (Ethiopia).

From left to right: Agricultural and Development Economist Chris Barrett (United States) and Language Scientist Damian Blasi (Argentina).

From left to right: Author and Civic Leader Eric Liu (United States) and Scientist and Researcher Rachel Lowe (United Kingdom).

From left to right: Economist Mariana Mazzucato (Italy) and Public Health Expert Ahmed Ogwell Ouma (Kenya).

From left to right: Writer and Historian Tara Roberts (United States) and Former Philippine Vice President and Civil Society Leader Maria Leonor (Leni) Robredo.