SSRC Just Tech Fellowship 2027

Overview

The SSRC Just Tech Fellowship is a one-year award of up to $60,000 for researchers, artists, journalists, community organizers, and practitioners whose work examines how technology shapes society and justice. The 2027 cohort runs January through December 2027. Fellows must reside in the United States during the fellowship year. No formal degree is required. Application deadline is 28 June 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.

The programme welcomes work across disciplines and career stages - from independent scholars to NGO practitioners and investigative journalists. Past fellows have studied algorithmic bias, surveillance capitalism, platform governance, and digital rights in the Global South.

Benefits

• Up to $60,000 unrestricted award to support research, creative practice, or community-engaged work.
• Up to $5,000 additional seed funding for collaborative projects.
• Monthly virtual cohort gatherings and individualized mentoring from SSRC staff.
• One in-person workshop connecting all fellows for focused exchange.
• No overhead or institutional affiliation requirement.

Eligibility

• Citizens of any country may apply.
• Must be willing and able to reside in the United States for the full 2027 fellowship year (January to December).
• Must not be enrolled as a full-time student at the time of application or during the fellowship.
• Must demonstrate a sustained body of professional work at the intersection of technology and society.
• Academics, journalists, artists, policy advocates, lawyers, and community researchers all qualify.

How to Apply

1. Visit the SSRC Just Tech application portal at ssrc.secure-platform.com.
2. Prepare a CV or resume (maximum 2 pages), a personal statement of up to 1,000 words or a 5-minute video, and a project work proposal of up to 3,000 words or a 10-slide deck.
3. Include two work samples with brief descriptions of each.
4. Submit the complete application by 28 June 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. No extensions are granted.
5. Finalists are notified in autumn 2026. Fellows begin in January 2027.