Understanding Just and Sustainable Transitions Through the JUST Fellowship

The world is undergoing significant changes, from shifts in energy sources to evolving industrial landscapes. These transformations, often termed “transitions,” bring about economic shifts but can also lead to displacement, environmental damage, and social conflicts. Recognizing this complexity, the Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA) and Samata have launched the Just and Sustainable Transitions (JUST) Fellowship 2026. This four-month program aims to support field-based research and storytelling, focusing on how communities across India are navigating these changes and creating their own sustainable futures. The JUST Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted aspects of a just transition, moving beyond simple energy replacements to address broader societal and ecological concerns.

The Core Idea of a Just Transition

A just transition is more than just switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It involves a deeper examination of how societal structures and practices impact people and the environment. The JUST Fellowship explores this broader concept by looking at several key areas. These include how livelihoods and labor are changing, the complexities of land rights and governance, and the importance of ecological sustainability. It also emphasizes community participation, the role of public finance and welfare systems, and the governance of resources. Environmental justice and the development of decentralized economies are also central to understanding these transitions.

Forces Driving Change in India

Communities across India are currently experiencing rapid transformations driven by various factors. Large-scale mining projects and industrial expansion are reshaping landscapes and economies. The development of new infrastructure, including energy transition corridors for renewable energy, also brings significant changes. Shifts in agriculture towards more sustainable practices, or conversely, the impacts of agricultural transitions, are affecting rural populations. Furthermore, conservation projects and the expansion of urban areas contribute to these ongoing changes.

While these developments can offer economic opportunities, they often come with considerable challenges. Communities may face displacement from their homes and lands. Ecological destruction can lead to the loss of natural resources and biodiversity. Livelihoods that have sustained families for generations can be disrupted. These shifts can also widen existing inequalities and create new social and environmental conflicts.

However, amidst these challenges, many local organizations, communities, and collectives are actively developing innovative solutions. These alternatives are often rooted in principles of ecological restoration, democratic governance, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. The JUST Fellowship seeks to document these realities and highlight these community-led efforts through immersive field research and accessible storytelling.

Key Focus Areas for Research

The JUST Fellowship encourages applications that explore a wide spectrum of transition-related themes. These areas provide a framework for understanding the diverse impacts and responses to change across India.

Mining and Resource Extraction Regions

Research in this area can focus on communities directly affected by mining operations and other forms of resource extraction. This includes examining the conflicts that arise over land and resources, as well as the social and environmental consequences for local populations.

Energy Transition Corridors

This focus area looks at how the development of renewable energy projects and associated infrastructure impacts local communities. It involves understanding the social and environmental effects of decarbonization efforts and energy transition corridors.

Industrial and Emerging Industrial Zones

Projects here can investigate the effects of industrial expansion, including changes in labor markets and working conditions. It also covers the environmental impacts of industrial activities and the governance structures in place to manage these zones.

Agriculture and Agroecological Transitions

The fellowship supports research into sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and the transformation of food systems. This includes understanding how rural livelihoods are affected by these changes and the potential for more sustainable farming practices.

Ecological Restoration and Conservation Landscapes

Fellows can document community-led initiatives focused on ecological restoration and conservation. This includes examining projects aimed at biodiversity protection and the restoration of degraded landscapes.

Transport, Infrastructure, and Urban Transitions

Research in this category can explore the social and environmental consequences of urbanization and the expansion of transport and other infrastructure projects. It examines how these developments affect communities and the environment.

Post-Extractive Futures and Community Governance

This area encourages the exploration of alternative development models that move beyond extractive industries. It also focuses on understanding and documenting community-led governance systems that prioritize sustainability and local needs.

Public Finance and Welfare Systems

Projects may analyze the financial mechanisms, public spending, and institutional systems that shape transition processes. This includes examining how welfare approaches are adapted or need to be adapted to support communities through these changes.

Fellowship Structure and Benefits

The JUST Fellowship is a four-month program designed to provide practical support and financial assistance to selected fellows. The fellowship period is scheduled from July to October 2026.

Financial Support

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 40,000. Additionally, travel support of up to Rs. 10,000 is available where travel is necessary for field-based research.

Mentorship Support

Depending on project needs and the availability of thematic experts, fellows may receive mentorship. This support is intended to help strengthen their research, documentation, and storytelling skills throughout the fellowship.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The JUST Fellowship 2026 is open to Indian citizens who have experience or a clear interest in fields such as livelihoods, labor rights, environment, ecology, governance, public policy, media, community work, and social justice. The organizers particularly welcome applications from researchers, journalists, independent writers, practitioners, grassroots workers, and community organizers.

Ideal candidates should possess two to three years of relevant experience, a strong interest in conducting field-based research, and excellent documentation and writing abilities. A commitment to ecological and social justice issues is also essential for all applicants.

Expected Outputs from Fellows

Fellows participating in the JUST Fellowship are expected to produce two key pieces of work. The first is a long-form research article, which should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words, offering an in-depth exploration of their chosen research topic. The second output is a public-facing article or op-ed, between 800 and 1,200 words, designed for wider engagement and dissemination to a broader audience. The organizers plan to compile the long-form articles from all fellows into a collective publication.

The Significance of the JUST Fellowship

The JUST Fellowship distinguishes itself by bridging multiple disciplines, including journalism, academia, and policy research. It creates a vital space where on-the-ground realities can inform public discourse, and where research is directly connected to compelling storytelling. This approach ensures that community experiences play a central role in shaping policy conversations, placing ecological justice at the forefront of discussions about societal transitions. The fellowship also contributes to the growing global dialogue around climate justice, democratic governance, sustainable development, and community-led resilience.

The application deadline for the JUST Fellowship 2026 is June 14, 2026. Interested individuals are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions