The Just Tech Fellowship program is designed for researchers, artists, and practitioners whose work advances thoughtful, practical, and imaginative approaches to how technology is designed, governed, and experienced in public life.
The fellowship welcomes applicants from a wide range of fields, methods, and career paths. Just Tech Fellows include artists, journalists, community-based researchers, social scientists, humanists, technologists, and others whose work expands public understanding of technology and contributes to more informed and accountable technological futures.
Application Deadline:
- 28 June 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
- Fellows notified: November 2026
- Fellowship period: January – December 2027
Tell Me About The Fellowship:
The Just Tech Fellowship, hosted by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), supports researchers, artists, journalists, technologists, and practitioners working at the intersection of technology and society. It funds original, community‑grounded projects that explore how technology shapes public life, governance, and social futures.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Social sciences, humanities, journalism, arts, technology, and community‑based research.
- Projects must engage substantively with digital or emerging technologies (design, use, critique, governance).
Type:
- Research Fellowship | Technology & Society | US Residency Required
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of any country but reside in the United States during the fellowship year.
- Not be enrolled as full‑time students.
- Demonstrate a sustained record of research, creative practice, or public‑facing work.
- Show engagement with substantive questions about technology and society.
How are Candidates Selected?
Applications are evaluated on:
- Articulated practice (clear research/creative focus).
- Strength of project (addresses significant tech‑society questions).
- Capacity to execute (ability to complete projects).
- Public engagement (sharing work with relevant audiences).
- Fit with fellowship (how participation strengthens project and cohort).
- Collaboration (willingness to share work and engage peers).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Global eligibility, but fellows must reside in the US during 2027.
Where will the Fellowship be Taken?
- United States (residency required)
- Includes monthly virtual gatherings and one in‑person workshop.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; limited number of fellows selected each year.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?
- Unrestricted award up to $60,000 for one year.
- Monthly virtual gatherings + one in‑person workshop.
- Individualized mentoring.
- Access to the Just Tech network beyond the fellowship year.
- Seed funding opportunities for collaborative projects.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- One year (January – December 2027).
Required Documents:
- Résumé/CV (max 2 pages).
- Personal statement (1,000 words or 5‑minute video).
- Work proposal (3,000 words or 10‑slide deck).
- Two work samples with descriptions.
How to Apply:
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit via the online application portal (opens 27 April 2026).
- Complete submission by 28 June 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.
