He cited the success of the ECGI’s predecessor organization, the European Corporate Governance Network, as one of the institute’s assets.

He noted that most of the fellows already know each other from working in the same academic area. In addition, most of the fellows are from Europe or have familial roots in Europe, leading them to maintain a concern for the continent.

“I think that they are genuinely interested in having more work done on corporate governance in Europe,” Becht said. “I think they feel the focus has been too heavy on the U.S. to this point.”

The exact duties to be carried out by the fellows have not been defined.

“We are not the choosers on this,” Becht said. “It really depends on the enthusiasm, the comparative advantage and the interests of each of the fellows.”

Roe described the fellowship as an initiation into “a study group on corporate governance.” He expects to travel to Europe this year to deliver a speech for an ECGI event.

Bebchuk said that he intends to contribute to ECGI meetings and policy debates as a fellow.

“I’m quite committed to the subject and to the work going on in Europe,” Bebchuk said. “I intend to be an active participant.”

More fellows were chosen from Harvard than from any other institution. Yale and Princeton each contributed two fellows, the second-highest total from a single institution.

“I think that between the economics department, the law school and the business school, Harvard is certainly one of the hubs on corporations and corporate finance in the world,” Becht said.

—Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.