DUST is a European research project
promoting new forms of citizen engagement with communities
affected by changing industries and practices related to
sustainability transitions. We work with communities in Sweden,
Germany, Poland, Bulgaria and the Netherlands. The project
concluded in February 2026.
Democratising
jUst
Sustainability
Transitions
The DUST project explores the development of tools and methodologies for citizen participation in sustainability transitions. Hover over the illustrations below to read how we do this.
The DUST project explores the development of tools and methodologies for citizen participation in sustainability transitions. Tap the illustrations below to read how we do this.
We analyse how participation is organised in actions relating to Just Sustainability Transition policies and explore new ways to communicate with citizens and collect their feedback. We work with communities to understand their visions for the future of their regions.
With our partners in eight case-study regions, we seek to identify and understand who the least-engaged communities are in sustainability transitions. Then, we run activities with a range of stakeholders to platform the voices of the least-engaged communities.
Our close ties to policymaking networks means we can connect decision-makers to the communities that will be most affected by sustainability transitions. We promote place-based policies and effective democratic governance at scale.
Our close ties to policymaking networks means we can connect decision-makers to the communities that will be most affected by sustainability transitions. We promote place-based policies and effective democratic governance at scale.
With our partners in eight case-study regions, we seek to identify and understand who the least-engaged communities are in sustainability transitions. Then, we run activities with a range of stakeholders to platform the voices of the least-engaged communities.
We analyse how participation is organised in actions relating to Just Sustainability Transition policies and explore new ways to communicate with citizens and collect their feedback. We work with communities to understand their visions for the future of their regions.
Check out our Knowledge Hub, the results of our Regional Futures Literacy labs in each region, and our MOOC!
Where are our Case-Study Regions?
Stara Zagora
In south-central Bulgaria, the province of Stara Zagora is home to the Maritsa Iztok Complex which employs many miners and energy workers in one of the three open-cast mines or one of the four thermal power plants in the region. The complex is facing major changes in the sustainability transition.