Kevin Rudd named senior fellow at Harvard

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been reportedly named a senior fellow at the US' prestigious Harvard University.

Rudd would lead a major research effort on the US-China relationship at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, apart from being a visiting fellow with the Ivy League university's Institute of Politics.

According to news.com.au, Harvard highlighted Rudd's experience in government and as a leading authority on China, where he worked as a diplomat in the 1980s, in its statement.

The university described Rudd's expertise on China as "invaluable" and the research center's director Graham Allison said that he was "extremely fortunate" to secure the appointment of the former prime minister.

Allison said that drawing on lessons learned during a distinguished career in politics and government, Rudd would bring a unique strategic and practical perspective on a range of international challenges.

The report said that the former prime minister takes up the post this month.