Just Tech Fellowship 2027 by Social Science Research Council (SSRC): $60,000 Fully Funded Opportunity for Researchers, Creatives, and Practitioners in Technology & Society

The Just Tech Fellowship 2027, offered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity designed for individuals working at the intersection of technology and society. With an unrestricted award of up to $60,000, this fellowship empowers researchers, artists, technologists, and practitioners to explore how technology shapes public life and to develop innovative, impactful solutions.

This one-year fellowship program is not just about funding—it is a transformative platform that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and forward-thinking research that addresses some of the most pressing societal challenges driven by technological change.

What is the Just Tech Fellowship?

The Just Tech Fellowship is a flagship initiative of the Social Science Research Council aimed at supporting community-grounded, original, and socially impactful work that critically examines the role of technology in shaping society.

The fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Social scientists
• Humanists
• Artists
• Journalists
• Technologists
• Community-based researchers
• Public-interest practitioners

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that fellows contribute to a broader understanding of how digital systems influence governance, equity, public discourse, and everyday life.

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support:

Financial Award

• Up to $60,000 unrestricted funding to support:
  • Research projects
  • Creative work
  • Community-based initiatives

Professional Development

• Monthly virtual cohort gatherings
• Individualized mentorship support
• Access to the Just Tech network

Collaboration Opportunities

• One in-person workshop for fellows
• Opportunities to collaborate across cohorts
• Eligibility for additional seed funding for joint projects

Long-Term Engagement

• Continued access to the Just Tech network beyond the fellowship year

Fellowship Duration

• Fellowship Period: January 2027 – December 2027

The program spans one full year, allowing fellows to deeply engage with their projects while participating in structured activities and collaborative exchanges.

Fellowship Objectives

The Just Tech Fellowship aims to:

1. Advance Critical Research
   • Support projects that interrogate how technology affects society
2. Promote Public Engagement
   • Encourage fellows to share their work with broader audiences
3. Foster Interdisciplinary Dialogue
   • Build bridges across fields and practices
4. Support Innovative Thinking
   • Enable creative and experimental approaches to technology-related challenges

Areas of Focus

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that engage with:

• Digital technologies and public life
• Technology governance and accountability
• Artificial intelligence and ethics
• Data justice and privacy
• Social media and public discourse
• Community-centered tech innovation
• Technology and inequality

Projects may involve:

• Research
• Creative production
• Policy engagement
• Community collaboration

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application including:

1. Résumé/CV

• Maximum of 2 pages

2. Personal Statement

• Up to 1,000 words OR
• Video statement (maximum 5 minutes)

3. Work Proposal

• Written document (max 3,000 words) OR
• Project deck (up to 10 slides)

The proposal must include:

• Concept description
• Engagement with technology
• Approach and contribution
• Feasibility plan
• Field context
• Public contribution

4. Work Samples

• Two samples showcasing previous work
• Brief descriptions explaining your role

5. AI Use Disclosure

• Applicants may use AI tools for assistance, but submissions must reflect original ideas and voice

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Residency

• Open to citizens of any country
• Must reside in the United States during the fellowship period
• SSRC does not sponsor visas

Education

• No formal degree requirements
• Applicants may come from academic or non-academic backgrounds

Availability

• Must commit to the full fellowship year

Restrictions

• Full-time students are not eligible

Experience

• Demonstrated engagement with issues at the intersection of technology and society

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. Articulated Practice
   • Clear and coherent body of work
2. Strength of Project
   • Relevance and originality
3. Execution Capacity
   • Ability to complete the project
4. Public Engagement
   • Evidence of sharing work with audiences
5. Program Fit
   • Alignment with fellowship goals
6. Collaboration
   • Willingness to engage with peers and contribute to the cohort

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: April 27, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 28, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)
• Fellows Notified: November 2026
• Fellowship Period: January – December 2027

Why You Should Apply

The Just Tech Fellowship stands out because it:

• Provides substantial funding ($60,000)
• Supports interdisciplinary innovation
• Encourages real-world impact and public engagement
• Connects fellows to a global network of experts
• Offers flexibility and creative freedom

Click HERE to learn more and to apply

Contact Information

For inquiries, applicants can contact:

just-tech@ssrc.org

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