As digital and emerging technologies increasingly define the fabric of public life, the need for critical, community-grounded research has never been more urgent. For researchers, artists, and practitioners working at the intersection of technology and society, finding the financial flexibility to pursue ambitious, imaginative work is a major career milestone. Finding a program that offers substantial funding alongside a collaborative network is a top goal for those seeking to build more accountable technological futures.
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The 2027 Just Tech Fellowship, hosted by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), is a prestigious one-year program designed to support high-impact work. By providing an unrestricted award of up to $60,000, the SSRC ensures that brilliant minds—from journalists to technologists—can focus on their creative and research practices without financial constraints. This fellowship acts as a strategic Investment Strategy for the advancement of social justice in the digital age.
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SSRC Just Tech Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Social Science Research Council (SSRC) |
| Fellowship Award | Up to $60,000 (Unrestricted) |
| Fellowship Period | January 2027 – December 2027 |
| Target Audience | Researchers, Artists, Technologists, Journalists |
| Location Requirement | Must reside in the United States |
| Application Deadline | June 28, 2026 |
About the Just Tech Fellowship Initiative 2027
The Just Tech Fellowship is a unique initiative that supports rigorous and original work addressing how technology shapes society. The program is designed for individuals whose work advances thoughtful and practical approaches to the design and governance of technological systems. This initiative provides a rare look at how interdisciplinary collaboration—between social scientists, humanists, and practitioners—can expand public understanding of emerging tech risks and opportunities.
In a professional landscape where Wealth Management and institutional power are deeply intertwined with algorithmic systems, this fellowship prepares you to challenge the status quo. Whether you are investigating AI bias or community-led tech design, the program gives you the initial platform to grow your influence. A unique feature of this fellowship is the month-to-month engagement with a cohort of peers, fostering a high level of Strategic Management in your research journey.
Core Objectives of the Just Tech Fellowship
- To support community-grounded work that addresses pressing questions about tech and public life.
- To provide researchers and artists with the resources and flexibility to advance ambitious projects.
- To foster a sustained network of practitioners committed to informed and accountable technological futures.
Benefits of the Just Tech Fellowship 2027
- Unrestricted Funding: Fellows receive up to $60,000 to support their research, creative practice, or community-engaged work.
- Collaborative Network: Access to monthly virtual gatherings and an in-person workshop for focused exchange.
- Mentorship: Individualized mentoring sessions to help refine your project and plan your career trajectory.
- Seed Funding: Eligibility to apply for additional funding to support collaborative projects within the Just Tech cohort.
- Lifelong Connection: Ongoing access to the Just Tech network and resources beyond the award year.
- Strategic Development: Developing a critical perspective on tech governance is a key Investment Strategy for leadership roles in Financial Advisory for tech ethics or public policy.
Eligibility Requirements for the Just Tech Fellowship
- Residency: Citizens of any country may apply, but you must reside in the United States for the duration of 2027. (Note: SSRC does not sponsor visas).
- Professional Background: Open to researchers, artists, journalists, technologists, and social scientists. There are no formal degree requirements.
- Student Status: Individuals currently enrolled as full-time students are not eligible.
- Commitment: Must be able to participate in monthly virtual sessions and one in-person workshop.
- Focus: Applicants must demonstrate engagement with substantive questions related to technology and society.
Why Technical Accountability is a Smart Investment Strategy
The SSRC believes that the future of public life depends on our ability to govern technology justly. By funding your work, they are helping you build a profile that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful. This focus on “community-grounded” research ensures that fellows are prepared for high-value roles in Financial Advisory for social impact, specialized Insurance Technology ethics, or executive roles in civil society organizations.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the Just Tech Fellowship
Phase 1: Defining Your Practice and Project
- Clearly articulate your research or creative practice and identify the central questions guiding your work.
- Choose a project that can be meaningfully advanced within the 2027 calendar year.
- Determine if you will submit a written Personal Statement (1,000 words) or a video statement (5 minutes).
Phase 2: Preparing the Work Proposal
- Your proposal must address the concept description, engagement with technology, and feasibility.
- Explain what distinguishes your approach from existing work in the field.
- Prepare a project deck (10 slides) or a written document (3,000 words) to outline your roadmap.
Phase 3: Online Application Entry
- Access the SSRC Just Tech application portal.
- Upload your two-page CV/Résumé highlighting your record of research or public-facing work.
- Submit two work samples that best reflect your role and the quality of your output.
Phase 4: Review and Selection Criteria
- Applications are evaluated based on articulated practice, project strength, and capacity to execute.
- Ensure you demonstrate evidence of public engagement and a serious approach to collaboration.
- Final selections are made through a rigorous review process by a panel of experts.
Phase 5: Fellowship Commencement
- Successful applicants will be notified in time for the January 2027 start.
- Relocate to or confirm residency in the United States for the fellowship year.
- Begin the one-year journey of research, monthly gatherings, and cohort exchange.
Jamnet Expert Advice for the Just Tech Fellowship
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about the technological systems you are critiquing, and ensure your deliverables are Measurable within the one-year award period.
- Apply the STAR Technique: When discussing prior projects in your personal statement, describe the Situation, the Task, the Action you took, and the public Result.
- Emphasis: Focus heavily on “Public Contribution.” The SSRC looks for work that expands public understanding and contributes to more accountable futures.
- Proactive Tip: Clearly identify your “Field Context.” Showing you are aware of others working on similar questions proves you are ready for a high-level Investment Strategy in the field.
Deadline: June 28, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2027 Just Tech Fellowship
- Do I need a PhD to apply? No, there are no formal degree requirements. SSRC welcomes artists, journalists, and practitioners with sustained records of work.
- Is the $60,000 award restricted to project costs? No, the award is unrestricted, meaning it can be used for living expenses, research costs, or any other needs.
- Can I apply if I am an international citizen? Yes, but you must reside in the United States during 2027. SSRC cannot sponsor your visa.
- Can full-time students apply? No, the fellowship is not open to individuals currently enrolled as full-time students.
- Is the fellowship in-person or virtual? It is a hybrid model with monthly virtual gatherings and one required in-person workshop.
- What kind of “technologies” are eligible? The project should engage digital or emerging technologies, including their design, governance, or social impact.
- How many work samples are required? You must submit two work samples that reflect your research or creative practice.
- What is the duration of the fellowship? The fellowship runs for one full year, from January 2027 to December 2027.
- Can I apply for more funding during the year? Yes, fellows can apply for additional seed funding for collaborative projects within the cohort.
- When is the final application deadline? The portal closes on June 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
