SSRC Applications for 2027 Just Tech Fellowship With Up to $60,000 Support

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) has opened applications for the 2027 cohort of its Just Tech Fellowship, a programme designed to support researchers, artists, technologists, journalists, and practitioners working at the intersection of technology and society.

The fellowship will provide selected participants with an unrestricted award of up to $60,000 to support research, creative projects, or community-engaged work focused on how technology shapes public life, governance, and society.

According to the SSRC, the fellowship is aimed at individuals whose work contributes to “more informed and accountable technological futures” through rigorous and community-grounded approaches.

The fellowship period will run from January 2027 to December 2027.

What Selected Fellows Will Receive

Beyond the financial support, fellows will also participate in:

• Monthly virtual gatherings
• Individual mentoring sessions
• One in-person research workshop
• Collaborative exchanges with peers and external partners
• Access to the broader Just Tech network

The programme also offers optional seed funding opportunities for collaborative projects across Just Tech cohorts.

SSRC said the fellowship is structured to give participants flexibility while also creating opportunities for sustained intellectual and professional engagement.

What Fellows Are Expected to Do

Participants selected for the fellowship will be required to dedicate time throughout the year to advancing their proposed project.

Fellows are also expected to:

• Participate in monthly virtual sessions
• Attend one in-person workshop
• Engage in mentoring activities
• Share work in progress with peers
• Submit midterm and final reports
• Contribute to collaborative discussions within the cohort

The organisation noted that active participation is central to the fellowship model.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application and submit several supporting materials.

These include:

• A résumé or CV of up to two pages
• A personal statement of up to 1,000 words or a five-minute video statement
• A written work proposal of up to 3,000 words or a project deck of up to 10 slides
• Two work samples related to the applicant’s research or creative practice

The work proposal should explain the project concept, its engagement with technology, contribution to the field, feasibility, and expected public impact.

Applicants may use digital tools for editing, brainstorming, or translation, but SSRC stressed that all submitted work must reflect the applicant’s original ideas and voice.

Who Can Apply

Citizens from any country are eligible to apply for the fellowship.

However, selected fellows must reside in the United States throughout the fellowship period. SSRC stated that it does not sponsor visas or serve as an immigration sponsor.

There are no formal degree requirements for applicants. Candidates may come from academic or non-academic backgrounds, provided they demonstrate meaningful engagement with issues related to technology and society.

Full-time students are not eligible to apply.

The council said successful applicants should also demonstrate the ability to complete projects, contribute to public conversations, and collaborate effectively with peers.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

• Strength and clarity of the applicant’s research or creative practice
• Quality and relevance of the proposed project
• Capacity to execute the work
• Public engagement and field contribution
• Collaboration and cohort participation
• Alignment with the goals of the Just Tech Fellowship

SSRC described the review process as rigorous and interdisciplinary.

Application Timeline

Key dates for the fellowship include:

• Application Portal Opens – April 27, 2026
• Application Deadline – June 28, 2026
• Selected Fellows Notified – November 2026
• Fellowship Period – January to December 2027

Applications close on June 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official fellowship portal.

Applicants can also review the FAQ section for additional guidance before applying.

Apply here