Two JUST Centre researchers have received prestigious national fellowships recognising leadership in sustainability and social justice research.
Lucie Middlemiss elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences
Professor Lucie Middlemiss, who co-leads JUST’s Policy, Governance & Change research, has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences – one of the highest national honours in UK social science recognising excellence in research and contribution to social science for public benefit.
Lucie is an internationally recognised scholar of sustainable consumption and energy poverty, whose work spans lived experiences of energy vulnerability, socially inclusive low‑carbon transitions and the social dynamics of energy retrofit. Her election also reflects her significant contributions beyond academia, including work with policymakers, practitioners and interdisciplinary environmental initiatives.
Lucie said: “I am delighted to have been nominated to join the Academy of Social Sciences as a Fellow, and to find myself among such illustrious company. This nomination was linked to my involvement in the JUST Centre, and offers me an opportunity to raise further awareness of interdisciplinary social science work on the environment, exemplified by our work in JUST.
“I am passionate about the social sciences and their importance in addressing all aspects of environmental issues, and it is brilliant to be recognised as someone having an impact in this field.”
Jake Ainscough awarded British Academy Innovation Fellowship
Dr Jake Ainscough, JUST’s Democratic Innovations co‑lead, has been awarded a highly competitive Innovation Fellowship by The British Academy.
Jake is an interdisciplinary environmental social scientist whose work focuses on understanding public attitudes and values around environmental issues and exploring how these insights can be better integrated into decision‑making. Most recently, he has been studying the use of citizens’ assemblies and citizens’ juries in climate policymaking and contributing to national conversations about publicly legitimate routes to net zero.
Beginning in March 2026, Jake’s 12‑month fellowship will embed him within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, where he will bring this expertise to the heart of government.
Jake said: “I am thrilled to be taking up a British Academy Innovation Fellowship with the public participation team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. We are at a critical moment for public engagement on energy and climate issues, and building on good practice across all levels of government and the broader sector is essential for delivering net zero in a way that works for everyone.
“This Fellowship is an opportunity to connect my own research — and that of colleagues across the JUST Centre — with national government, to help inform the delivery of their new public participation strategy.”
These outstanding achievements reflect the centre’s excellence in interdisciplinary research and our contribution to shaping fair, inclusive and socially inclusive approaches to climate policy and environmental action.