Fellowship • Global
SSRC Just Tech Fellowship
The SSRC Just Tech Fellowship, administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), is a fully funded research fellowship supporting scholars and practitioners who examine how technology shapes society, equity, and governance. Open to researchers, social scientists, journalists, legal experts, and technology professionals, the fellowship provides financial support, mentorship, and access to a global network of specialists working at the intersection of technology and the public interest. Fellows receive funding to pursue independent research on topics such as AI governance, digital rights, data justice, platform regulation, algorithmic fairness, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. The programme is designed for both academic scholars and applied practitioners, offering a rare opportunity to focus deeply on technology's social dimensions. Beyond individual research, fellows collaborate with SSRC networks, participate in workshops, and share findings that inform policy and public debate. The fellowship is particularly valuable for early- to mid-career researchers seeking to build a body of work at the nexus of technology and social justice. The selection process is competitive, so applicants should prepare a clear research proposal, gather strong references, and submit all materials before the published deadline. Deadlines vary by cycle — check the official SSRC website for current application windows.
SSRC Just Tech Fellowship Eligibility
The SSRC Just Tech Fellowship is open to researchers, social scientists, journalists, legal scholars, and technology practitioners from any country. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of work relevant to technology's social dimensions — whether through academic publications, investigative journalism, policy research, or applied technology projects. There are no strict nationality or age restrictions. The fellowship is particularly suited to early- to mid-career professionals who are building a body of work at the intersection of technology and social justice. Strong candidates typically combine rigorous research methods with a clear commitment to equity and public interest outcomes.
SSRC Just Tech Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded and provides financial support for fellows to pursue independent research over the fellowship period. Benefits include a research stipend, access to SSRC's global network of scholars and practitioners, participation in workshops and seminars on technology and social justice, and mentorship from senior experts in the field. Fellows also gain visibility through SSRC publications and events, and join a growing community of Just Tech alumni working across academia, civil society, government, and the technology sector.
SSRC Just Tech Fellowship Deadline
The application deadline varies by cycle. The SSRC typically announces new fellowship cohorts with specific deadlines on their website. Applications are submitted through the SSRC's online portal. Check the official SSRC website for the current application window. It is advisable to begin preparing your research proposal and gathering references at least two months before the published deadline.
Required Documents for the SSRC Just Tech Fellowship
- Research proposal — clearly outlining your research question, methodology, and expected impact on technology and social justice discourse
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — detailing your academic background, professional experience, and relevant publications or projects
- Writing sample — a published article, policy brief, or research paper demonstrating your expertise in a technology-related topic
- Personal statement — explaining your motivation, how the fellowship aligns with your career goals, and your commitment to equity and public interest
- Two letters of recommendation — from academic or professional references who can attest to your research quality and potential
- Online application form — completed through the SSRC's application portal \n
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing a purely technical research project — the fellowship focuses on technology's social dimensions, not engineering or computer science. Your proposal must address societal, legal, or governance implications.
- Writing a vague research proposal — the selection committee looks for specific research questions, clear methodology, and demonstrable impact. Avoid broad statements about "technology and society" without a focused angle.
- Not demonstrating relevant experience — your CV and writing sample should show a clear track record of work related to technology's social impact. If your background is tangential, explain the connection explicitly.
- Submitting generic recommendation letters — ask referees who know your research work specifically. Generic letters that don't address your technology-related contributions weaken your application. \n
Related Opportunities
Explore more fellowships on OpportunityNest or browse global fellowships. If you're interested in technology and society research, also consider the Franz Werfel Fellowship, the McCall MacBain Scholarship, and the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.