Applications for the 2027 round of the SSI Fellowship Programme are now open. Thinking about applying? We’ve gathered a range of resources to help you prepare a strong application.
First of all, we're hosting an Online Launch Webinar on Thursday 20 August, 11:00–12:30 (see your local time here), where you can hear directly from current Fellows, get a walkthrough of the application process, and ask us anything before you apply.
What is the Fellowship Programme?
The Fellowship Programme aims to improve and promote good computational practice across all research disciplines and support those who are doing this important work. Each year, we select around 20 Fellows, including up to three international Fellows. Each Fellow receives a £4,000 budget to organise or attend activities that promote good software practice, and joins a wider community through mentoring, cohort-based learning, monthly community calls, study groups, and attendance at the annual Collaborations Workshop.
The programme is open to applicants at any career stage and from any background: PhD candidates, junior research software engineers, professors, directors of research computing, and anyone who supports research, training, or research infrastructure, including those without a formal software background.
What to expect at the Online Launch Webinar
The launch webinar is a chance to get a clear picture of what the Fellowship involves before you commit time to an application. We'll cover:
- An overview of the programme and what Fellows do
- The application and selection process, step by step
- First-hand accounts from current Fellows
- Time for your questions
Whether you're still deciding if the Fellowship is right for you or you're ready to start drafting your application, the webinar is open to anyone considering applying or wanting to learn more about the Fellowship or the SSI.
Register for the Online Launch Webinar
Key dates
- Applications open: 10 August 2026
- Launch webinar: 20 August 2026
- Applications close: 5 October 2026
- Shortlist confirmed: 3 November 2026
- Online Selection Day: 12 November 2026
- Public announcement of Fellowships: 9 December 2026
- Official dates of the Fellowships: 1 January 2027 – 31 March 2028
How to apply
The application has two parts: an application form and a six-minute screencast video covering who you are, what you do, and your plans for the Fellowship. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to the Online Selection Day, a full day of group activities where you'll be assessed on how you contribute to and engage with others.
We know putting together a strong application takes time, so we've built in support to help you along the way:
- An Application Video Guide with examples of applications from previous Fellows
- The chance to be matched with a current Fellow who can answer your questions and share advice (visit our application page for more information)
- Full eligibility and shortlisting criteria available on our application page
We're also offering up to three places for international applicants. If you're not based in the UK or affiliated with a UK institution, we'll ask you to show how your plans foster international collaboration or bring a valuable perspective to UK research culture.
Ready to find out more?
Register for the Online Launch Webinar on 20 August, and visit the Fellowship Programme page and application page for full details on eligibility, key dates, and how to apply.
Applications close on 5 October 2026. If you have any questions, please contact us via fellows-management@software.ac.uk
We look forward to meeting the next cohort of SSI Fellows!