JUST-R

The JUST-R Offline Tool guides researchers through integrating social, economic, and environmental considerations into early-stage research and development of energy technologies.

Metrics Framework

Based on principles of responsible research and innovation, the JUST-R Metrics Framework facilitates brainstorming and guides researchers, engineers, and project managers through considering the potential social, economic, and environmental implications of their work both during the research period and when the technology is scaled.

Offline Tool Description

The JUST-R Offline Tool consists of an Excel file and PDF guide to aid users in their application of the JUST-R Metrics Framework. This tool is designed to enable users to select, assess, and track JUST-R metrics over the course of their projects. The user guide provides additional context, examples, and step-by-step instructions for using the Excel tool.

The metrics included in the JUST-R Metrics Framework are sorted into five aspects of research: Team Dynamics, Sources and Inputs, Processes and Protocols, Waste and Hazards, and Results and Dissemination.

Download the JUST-R Offline Tool

The JUST-R Offline Tool's PDF Guide and Microsoft Excel tool are available for download below.

Target Audience

JUST-R has been designed for researchers working primarily at early stages of energy technology development, including scientists and engineers at universities, national labs, and private companies. JUST-R is meant to be applied to everything from fundamental science research with potential applications in energy (e.g., electrochemistry, materials discovery and synthesis, or catalysis) to lab-scale development and testing of proof-of-concept energy devices (e.g., next-generation batteries, solar cells, or fuel cells). In the JUST-R Offline Tool PDF Guide, users will find example assessments of fictionalized case studies spanning a wide range of research areas to help understand how JUST-R may apply to their research. These research areas include wet lab research and material characterization, engineering design and demonstration, modeling and analysis, and fundamental science.

Although this tool aims to elicit brainstorming in R&D efforts, the PDF guide also includes options for how leadership and management may engage with this tool and more information on the tool's limitations.

Publications

JUST-R Metrics For Considering Energy Justice In Early-Stage Energy Research, Joule (2023)

Evaluating Energy Justice Metrics In Early-Stage Science and Technology Research Using the JUST-R Metrics Framework, Frontiers in Environmental Science (2023)

Applying Energy Justice Metrics To Photovoltaic Materials Research, MRS Advances (2024)

Contact

JUST-R Team
[email protected]