Application Deadline: June 28, 2026
The Social Science Research Council is inviting bold thinkers to step into one of the most important conversations of our time: how technology shapes society. The Just Tech Fellowship 2027 creates space for ideas that challenge systems, amplify communities, and rethink the future of public life through technology.
This fellowship speaks directly to people doing serious, thoughtful work where technology meets real-world impact. It’s not limited to one discipline; journalists examining algorithmic bias, artists exploring digital identity, and technologists questioning governance all have a place here. What matters is the depth of your idea and its relevance to society.
Selected fellows receive up to $60,000 in unrestricted funding, giving them the rare freedom to focus fully on their work for a full year (January–December 2027). That flexibility is intentional; it allows projects to evolve organically, rather than being boxed into rigid deliverables.
But the real strength of the program sits in its community. Fellows are part of an active, interdisciplinary cohort, meeting monthly in virtual sessions, working closely with mentors, and coming together for an in-person workshop. These moments often become the turning point, where ideas sharpen, collaborations form, and projects gain new direction.
There’s also room to expand beyond individual work. Fellows can access additional seed funding for collaborative projects, opening the door to partnerships that extend the reach and relevance of their ideas. Over time, the Just Tech network becomes more than a program; it’s a long-term intellectual and professional ecosystem.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants from any country
- Must be able to reside in the United States during the fellowship (no visa sponsorship provided)
- No formal degree required, but applicants should show a strong track record of work or practice
- Open to researchers, artists, journalists, technologists, and community-based practitioners
- Applicants must demonstrate engagement with technology and society issues
- Full-time students are not eligible
Application materials include:
- CV/Résumé (max 2 pages)
- Personal statement (written up to 1,000 words or 5-minute video)
- Work proposal (essay up to 3,000 words or 10-slide deck)
- Two relevant work samples
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Benefits
- Up to $60,000 unrestricted award
- Dedicated time and flexibility to advance your project
- Monthly virtual cohort engagement
- One in-person collaborative workshop
- Individualized mentoring support
- Access to the Just Tech network beyond the fellowship year
- Opportunity to apply for additional collaborative seed funding
This mix of funding, mentorship, and peer exchange makes the fellowship especially valuable for those looking to scale ideas that influence policy, culture, or public understanding of technology.
Application
Applications are assessed through a competitive review process focusing on:
- Strength and clarity of your work or practice
- Relevance and originality of your proposed project
- Your ability to execute and sustain the work
- Public engagement and broader impact
- Willingness to collaborate within the cohort
Successful applicants will be notified in November 2026.
How to Apply
For more details, visit Just Tech Fellowship.
