Just Tech Fellowship 2027 with $60,000 Funding for Global Researchers Available
The Social Science Research Council has opened applications for the Just Tech Fellowship 2027, a high-value program targeting researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of technology and society. With up to $60,000 in unrestricted funding and a strong emphasis on public-impact work, the fellowship is positioning itself as a serious platform for interdisciplinary innovation in tech governance, ethics, and societal impact.
The Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is a one-year funded program offering up to $60,000 to researchers, artists, and practitioners exploring how technology shapes society. It is open to global applicants (non-students) who can reside in the United States during the fellowship year. The funding supports independent research, creative work, and community-driven projects with mentorship and collaboration opportunities included.
What This Fellowship Actually Offers?
Unlike traditional academic fellowships tied to institutions or degrees, the Just Tech Fellowship provides fully flexible funding—meaning fellows can use the $60,000 award to support research, creative production, or public engagement without strict spending categories.
In addition to financial support, fellows gain structured professional support through:
- Monthly virtual cohort sessions
- A fully funded in-person workshop
- Individualized mentoring
- Access to a cross-disciplinary network of researchers, technologists, and public-interest practitioners
This structure makes it particularly valuable for applicants working outside conventional academic pathways, including journalists, technologists, and community-based researchers.
Who Should Seriously Consider Applying?
This fellowship is not designed for degree-seeking students. Currently enrolled full-time students are not eligible.
Instead, the program targets:
- Early to mid-career professionals with a clear track record of impactful work
- Individuals exploring critical questions around technology’s role in society
- Applicants capable of producing public-facing outputs or policy-relevant insights
There are no formal degree requirements, which lowers entry barriers for non-traditional candidates—but significantly raises expectations around demonstrated impact, originality, and execution capability.
Competitiveness and Selection Reality
The Just Tech Fellowship is highly selective, with applications assessed on:
- Strength, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed project
- Evidence of prior work and ability to deliver outcomes
- Public engagement and interdisciplinary contribution
This is not a volume-based intake. Candidates without a well-defined project and credible portfolio are unlikely to be competitive. The fellowship prioritizes work that engages real-world problems and contributes to broader societal debates.
Why This Fellowship Matters Now?
As global concerns grow around artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital inequality, funding programs are increasingly shifting toward independent, impact-driven research.
The Just Tech Fellowship reflects this trend by supporting projects that critically examine how technology is designed, governed, and experienced—particularly in public life. For applicants working on issues like AI ethics, platform accountability, or digital rights, this fellowship aligns closely with emerging global research priorities.
Key Limitation Applicants Must Consider!
While applicants from any country can apply, selected fellows must reside in the United States for the full fellowship period. Visa sponsorship is not provided, which means international applicants must have an independent pathway to legally stay in the country.
Application Timeline and Final Takeaway
The last date to apply for the Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is June 28, 2026.
For professionals working at the intersection of technology and society, this fellowship offers rare flexibility, strong funding, and meaningful collaboration. However, due to its selectivity and residency requirement, it is best suited for experienced applicants with a clearly defined, high-impact project and the ability to execute it independently.