The Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is a one-year program run by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC). It supports researchers, artists, journalists, and practitioners working on how technology shapes public life. The fellowship focuses on real-world research, creative practice, and community-based work.
The application window for the 2027 cohort is open in 2026, with a deadline in late June.
WhatsApp ChannelOverview of the Fellowship
The fellowship is designed for projects that study how digital and emerging technologies affect society, governance, and public systems. It supports independent work rather than traditional academic programs.
Selected fellows receive funding and structured support to develop projects over 12 months.
Key details:
- Host organization: Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Social Science Research Council
- Program: Just Tech Fellowship Just Tech Fellowship
- Duration: January 2027 to December 2027
- Funding: Up to $60,000 (unrestricted award)
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Funding and Support
The fellowship provides financial and professional support for selected applicants.
Main benefits include:
- Up to $60,000 in unrestricted funding
- Monthly virtual cohort meetings
- One in-person workshop
- Individual mentoring sessions
- Access to SSRC’s Just Tech network
- Optional seed funding for collaborative projects
The funding can support research time, fieldwork, travel, or other project-related needs.
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Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants.
Eligibility highlights:
- Open to applicants from any country
- Fellows must live in the United States during the fellowship year
- No degree requirement
- Full-time students are not eligible
- Applicants should have experience in research, creative work, or public-facing projects related to technology and society
Fields commonly include social sciences, journalism, policy, law, arts, and technology practice.
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What the Selection Committee Looks For
Applications are reviewed based on clear evaluation criteria:
- Strength and clarity of the proposed project
- Relevance to technology and society
- Ability to complete a one-year project
- Public engagement or prior work shared with audiences
- Fit with the cohort model
- Willingness to collaborate and contribute to group learning
Projects can include research studies, policy work, digital tools, art-based work, or public analysis.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package.
Required materials include:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Personal statement (1,000 words or 5-minute video)
- Project proposal (up to 3,000 words or 10-slide deck)
- Two work samples with short descriptions
The project proposal should explain:
- Core research question
- How is technology involved
- Methods and approach
- Feasibility within one year
- Related work in the field
- Public contribution or output plan
Timeline for 2027 Cohort
- Applications open: April 27, 2026
- Deadline: June 28, 2026
- Selection results: November 2026
- Fellowship period: January–December 2027
Why the Fellowship Stands Out
Unlike many short-term grants, this fellowship combines funding with structured engagement. The cohort model, mentoring system, and network access are designed to support long-term research development.
It also does not require a university affiliation, which makes it accessible to independent researchers and practitioners.
Key Takeaway
The Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is a competitive US-based opportunity offering funding, mentorship, and a structured research environment for work focused on technology’s role in society. The program prioritizes practical research, public engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches rather than academic credentials.
