The Fellowship Programme funds researchers, research software engineers, and advocates who want to improve computational practice in their field. Each year, around 20 Fellows are selected, including up to three international Fellows, each receiving a £4,000 budget to organise or attend activities that promote good software practice. Fellows also get matched with a mentor, join cohort-based learning, and take part in monthly community calls, study groups, and the annual Collaborations Workshop.

Applications close on 5 October 2026. The programme is open to applicants at any career stage and from any background, from PhD candidates and junior research software engineers to professors and directors of research computing, including those without a formal software background who support research, training, or research infrastructure.

Ahead of the deadline, the SSI will host an Online Launch Webinar on Thursday 20 August, 11:00–12:30 (BST/GMT+1). The session covers the programme, the application and selection process, and includes first-hand accounts from current Fellows, with time for audience questions. It's open to anyone considering an application or wanting to learn more.

Apply for the 2027 Fellowship Programme, register for the launch webinar, or read more about the programme on the Fellowship Programme page and application page. Questions can be sent to fellows-management@software.ac.uk.