The past year has been a remarkable period of growth, learning and connection for the JUST Centre. From our public launch in early 2025 to the expansion of our team and research programmes in late 2025, we’ve been laying the groundwork for a five‑year journey in shaping a fair, inclusive and place‑based transition to a low‑carbon society.
To mark a full year of JUST, we’re looking back at the milestones that have defined our first year and a glimpse of what’s to come next.
Launching the JUST Centre
We began 2025 by launching JUST at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, where more than 150 people from a wide range of sectors joined us to hear about our mission and ambitions. Between September and October, we also held five regional launch events in Manchester, Liverpool, Workington, Newcastle and Leeds and an international online launch, meeting even more representatives from local government, social enterprises, third‑sector organisations and community groups.
These launch events set the tone for the year and underscored our vision to be collaborative, outward‑facing and grounded in the belief that a just transition must be shaped with - not just for - communities.
We shared early work on our evidence review and neighbourhood readiness measurement tool, and in return, we heard about local priorities, challenges and opportunities. These conversations are already shaping our research agenda and ensuring that our work remains grounded in lived experience.
During our first year, much of our work has focused on building the internal systems, partnerships and governance structures that will support the Centre’s long-term impact. We established our Advisory Board, chaired by Mandy Nyarko MBE, and convened a global group of 16 academic ‘critical friends’ led by Professor Julian Agyema. Their valuable insights have already begun to shape our strategic direction.
Contributing to national and international conversations
Even while we built our internal foundations, the JUST team was active in shaping wider debates on the transition to a low‑carbon society. Early contributions included:
- Submitting evidence to help shape the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Energising Britain public participation plan and the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040
- Presentations at the SCORAI International Conference in Lund
- Participation in panels hosted by IPPR, ACCESS, and the ESRC
- A co‑hosted workshop with the Young Foundation and Climate Outreach during London Climate Week These engagements helped position the Centre as a trusted voice in discussions around fairness, inclusion and place‑based approaches to climate action.
Growing the team and expanding our capacity
A just transition requires transdisciplinary thinking and diverse expertise. Over the past six months, we’ve been steadily expanding our team of research associates and professional support staff. By spring 2026, we expect to have our full cohort in place, ready to begin place‑based data collection in earnest.
We’re also excited to launch our Practice Builders’ Network. Led by our partners at the Young Foundation, we accepted the first of two cohorts of practitioners who will collaborate with us, share knowledge and help to ensure that our research reaches the communities and sectors where it can make the most difference.
One of the most visible milestones of the year has been the launch of our new website. After months of design and development we now have a colourful, interactive platform that reflects the energy and values of the centre. It’s a space where we’ll share updates, blogs, event recordings and opportunities to get involved.
Looking ahead: What’s next for JUST?
As we move into 2026, the JUST Centre is entering an exciting new phase. With our team nearly complete, our networks expanding and our research programmes maturing, we’re ready to deepen our engagement with communities across the UK and contribute robust, actionable evidence to the national conversation on a just transition.
And in the coming weeks, we’ll be launching our rapid evidence review of over 140+ actors and initiatives driving just, place-based transitions across the North of England and beyond, highlighting the breadth and depth of local communities’ ambitions for equitable climate action.
We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us during this foundational year, from our partners, collaborators and event participants to the many people who have shared their insights and enthusiasm along the way. We know that the journey towards a fair and inclusive climate future is long, but together, we’re building the relationships, knowledge and momentum needed to make it possible.
