Call for Applications: Host a SICSS Partner Location in Summer 2027

We are excited to announce the Call for Applications to host a partner location for the Summer Institutes in Computational Social Science (SICSS) in 2027!

Since 2018, our global network of partner locations has broadened access to computational social science training for thousands of researchers worldwide. In 2027, partner locations will continue this tradition of combining lectures and group exercises with collaborative, participant-led research projects. Most sites run for two weeks, though shorter or adapted formats are also possible.

Funding Pathways for 2027

For the 2027 season, there are two pathways to host a partner location:

1. Tech for Open Minds (TOM) Partner Sites (Funded): The Tech for Open Minds (TOM) initiative will return and serve as a primary pathway to secure SICSS program funding in 2027. TOM is a multi-year global initiative focused on how digital technologies shape open-mindedness, intellectual humility, and polarization. Locations seeking TOM grant funding must demonstrate in their application how their proposed curriculum, speakers, and participant research incubation will contribute to TOM’s mission.

2. Self-Funded Partner Sites: As in previous years, we warmly invite applications from organizers with access to local institutional support, departmental funding, regional grants, or corporate/NGO partnerships. Self-funded sites may focus on the core SICSS curriculum or design a specialized curriculum tailored to their local academic and practitioner communities. Self-funded sites receive full access to SICSS open-source teaching materials, organizational mentorship, and integration into the global SICSS network.

Organizer Requirements

To ensure high-quality training and institutional support, all SICSS partner locations must meet the following criteria:

• At least one member of the local organizing team must be a former SICSS participant or alum. (If your team needs help connecting with an alum, please reach out to us.)
• At least one organizer must be a faculty member or senior employee at the sponsoring host institution.
• Training must be free of charge for all accepted participants.
• Any original curricular materials developed must be released open-source.

How to Apply and Important Deadlines

Applications to host a SICSS partner location in 2027 will open in mid-November and are due by December 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM US Eastern Time.

For full application instructions and budget guidance, please visit our Host a Partner Location page, or access the application template directly. Completed applications should be submitted by email to rsfcompsocsci@gmail.com.

Chris Bail on behalf of the SICSS Advisory Board