About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Just Tech Fellowship invites applications for the Just Tech Fellowship, a prestigious programme supporting individuals working at the intersection of technology and society. This initiative is designed to foster innovative, interdisciplinary work that explores how technology shapes public life, governance, and social systems.
The fellowship is open to a diverse range of practitioners, including researchers, artists, journalists, technologists, and community-based professionals. It emphasises inclusive, forward-thinking approaches to building more equitable and accountable technological futures.
Fellowship Overview and Purpose
The Just Tech Fellowship supports projects that critically examine and reimagine the role of technology in society. It encourages work that is:
Rigorous and original
Grounded in community engagement
Focused on real-world societal challenges
Interdisciplinary in approach
The programme aims to expand public understanding of technology while supporting practical and creative solutions to pressing global issues.
Fellowship Benefits and Structure
Selected fellows receive substantial financial and professional support over a one-year period.
Key benefits include:
Unrestricted funding of up to $60,000
Fellowship duration: January 2027 to December 2027
Monthly virtual cohort meetings
Individualised mentorship throughout the programme
Access to the broader Just Tech network
Fellows may also apply for additional seed funding to support projects across cohorts. The programme is designed to provide flexibility, allowing participants to focus on ambitious and impactful work.
Collaboration & Conferencing Software
Fellowship Commitments and Expectations
Participants are expected to actively engage in the fellowship and contribute to a collaborative intellectual environment.
Core commitments include:
Advancing a proposed project over the fellowship year
Participating in monthly virtual gatherings
Attending one in-person workshop
Engaging in mentoring sessions
Sharing work-in-progress and providing peer feedback
Submitting midterm and final reports
The programme emphasises sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application through the online portal. Required materials include:
Résumé or CV (maximum two pages)
Personal statement (up to 1,000 words or a 5-minute video)
Work proposal (up to 3,000 words or 10-slide presentation)
Two work samples with descriptions
The work proposal should clearly address:
Core concept and research question
Engagement with technology (design, critique, or governance)
Methodological approach and contribution
Feasibility and anticipated challenges
Relationship to existing work in the field
Public impact and dissemination strategy
Applicants may use digital tools for editing or brainstorming, but all submissions must reflect original ideas and authentic voice.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants globally, with minimal formal restrictions.
Eligibility requirements include:
Applicants from any country may apply
Fellows must reside in the United States during the fellowship period
No formal degree requirements
Must demonstrate sustained engagement in relevant work
Must not be enrolled as full-time students
It is important to note that the SSRC does not provide visa sponsorship, and applicants must independently secure the ability to reside in the United States.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on several key factors:
Clarity and coherence of the applicant’s practice
Strength and relevance of the proposed project
Demonstrated ability to execute and complete work
Evidence of public engagement or impact
Alignment with fellowship goals
Willingness to contribute to the cohort
The programme prioritises applicants who show both intellectual depth and a commitment to meaningful societal impact.
Collaboration & Conferencing Software
Application Timeline
Key dates for the 2027 fellowship cycle include:
Application portal opens: April 27, 2026
Application deadline: June 28, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Notification of selected fellows: November 2026
Fellowship period: January to December 2027
Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials early to ensure a complete and competitive submission.
Programme Impact and Opportunities
The Just Tech Fellowship provides a platform for advancing critical conversations about technology’s role in society. It enables fellows to:
Develop impactful research or creative projects
Engage with interdisciplinary experts
Build long-term professional networks
Contribute to public discourse on technology and governance
The programme is particularly valuable for individuals seeking to influence policy, public understanding, and ethical technology development.
Conclusion
The Just Tech Fellowship by the Social Science Research Council represents a significant opportunity for individuals committed to exploring and shaping the relationship between technology and society. Through financial support, mentorship, and collaborative engagement, the programme empowers fellows to produce meaningful work that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of the digital age.
Science
It stands as a highly competitive and impactful fellowship for those dedicated to advancing equitable, inclusive, and socially responsible technological futures.
How to apply