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Social Science One

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Social Science One builds industry-academic partnerships to unlock commercial data for public good research, focusing on social science inquiries.

Provider
Social Science One
Host country
Multiple
Region
Multiple
Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Social Science One is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Postdoc level, with not mentioned funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply
Postdoc · applicants for Multiple
Funding
Not mentioned
Study level
Postdoc
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

  • Not explicitly mentioned
  • likely targets established social scientists or researchers with strong academic backgrounds.

About the Social Science One (2026)

## Overview Social Science One is an initiative dedicated to fostering collaborations between industry and academia to facilitate social science research using commercially held data. The organization aims to bridge the gap between academic researchers, who have an increasing need for real-world data to study human society, and companies that possess vast amounts of such data. By reducing barriers to industry collaboration, Social Science One seeks to unlock commercial information for public good in privacy-protective ways, benefiting both academics and companies in advancing their respective and joint objectives. The core operations of Social Science One are supported by an endowment established in honor of the late Howard Raiffa, a pioneering figure in decision science and a former professor at Harvard's HBS and HKS. Raiffa's legacy, marked by significant contributions to mathematical theory and conflict resolution, underpins the initiative's commitment to rigorous and impactful research. ## Benefits While the page does not explicitly detail a "fellowship" or specific financial benefits, the primary advantage for researchers engaging with Social Science One lies in gaining unprecedented access to privacy-protected commercial data for social science research. This access is invaluable for conducting cutting-edge studies that might otherwise be impossible due to data scarcity or accessibility issues. The initiative also fosters a collaborative environment, allowing academics to work alongside industry partners and benefit from shared experiences and developed models for data utilization. Access to new datasets for research is a key benefit, guided by the Scientific Advisory Committee. ## Eligibility Specific eligibility criteria for a formal fellowship are not outlined on the provided page. However, given the nature of Social Science One's mission to facilitate high-level academic research using complex commercial data, it is highly probable that participants are expected to be established social scientists, postdoctoral researchers, or academics with a strong research track record and expertise in relevant methodologies. The emphasis on "leading scholars" in the Scientific Advisory Committee section suggests a focus on experienced researchers capable of contributing significantly to the field. ## Required Documents The provided information does not specify any required documents. If Social Science One were to offer a formal fellowship or grant, typical application documents might include a research proposal, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. However, without a direct call for applications, these are speculative. ## How to Apply The page does not provide a direct application process for a fellowship. Instead, it highlights various avenues of engagement: consortium membership, company partnerships, and the Scientific Advisory Committee. For researchers interested in accessing Facebook data, specific information and an "RFP for URL Shares" are mentioned, indicating a potential pathway for project proposals. ## Key Dates No specific deadlines or key dates for applications or programs are mentioned on the provided page. Interested individuals or institutions should regularly monitor the Social Science One website for updates regarding opportunities or calls for proposals. ## Selection Criteria While explicit selection criteria for a fellowship are not stated, the initiative's focus on "leading scholars" and "scientific advisory committee" implies a rigorous selection process based on academic merit, research quality, relevance to social science, and the potential for public good impact. For data access initiatives, the feasibility and ethical considerations of the proposed research would likely be significant factors. ## Tips * **Regularly check the official website:** As specific opportunities may arise, consistent monitoring of the Social Science One website (socialscience.one) is crucial. * **Explore existing partnerships:** Understand the current collaborations and data access models, particularly with companies like Facebook, to tailor your research interests. * **Network:** Engage with the academic social science community to learn about potential synergies with Social Science One's mission. * **Focus on public good:** Frame research proposals around the idea of unlocking commercial data for public benefit, aligning with the organization's core objective. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Social Science One website: [https://socialscience.one/](https://socialscience.one/)

Social Science One eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Not explicitly mentioned
  • likely targets established social scientists or researchers with strong academic backgrounds.

Documents required for the Social Science One application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

  • Valid international passport (bio page scan)
  • Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
  • Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
  • Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
  • Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Social Science One 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility on the official site

    Open https://socialscience.one/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Not explicitly mentioned; likely targets established social scientists or researchers with strong academic backgrounds.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.

  2. 2
    Secure a study place or admission offer

    Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.

  3. 3
    Sit required tests and gather documents

    Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.

  4. 4
    Draft your essays and statements

    Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.

  5. 5
    Complete the online application

    Create an account on https://socialscience.one/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.

  6. 6
    Submit at least one week before the deadline

    Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

  7. 7
    Prepare for shortlist interviews

    If shortlisted, Social Science One will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Social Science One deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. Application deadline

    Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Social Science One?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Postdoc level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Social Science One, and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the Social Science One fully funded?+

Funding model: Not mentioned. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is . Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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