Critical Minerals Research Lab Now Accepting Applications
💡 What’s the story?
Resources for the Future (RFF) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the third cohort of the Critical Minerals Research Lab, a virtual hub to help PhD students develop, improve, and disseminate policy-relevant research on critical minerals. The lab aims to approach critical minerals research with an interdisciplinary lens: student researchers accepted to the program will collaborate with peers from different academic fields to develop new perspectives for their work.
The lab will accept applications until May 31 and officially launch in September 2026.
Expert Perspective
“For the past two years, students in the Critical Minerals Research Lab have honed their skills and learned new ways of thinking about evolving critical mineral policy. Since we launched the program in 2024, critical minerals have only become more integral in the conversation about our energy future. We look forward to helping new experts contribute to this policy evolution with a research-driven understanding of the many facets of critical mineral supply and demand.”
—Beia Spiller, RFF Fellow, Director of the Transportation Program
🏫What will the lab do?
The lab is led by Beia Spiller, fellow and director of the Transportation Program at RFF; Michael Toman, senior fellow at RFF; Kate Whitefoot, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering; and Nicole Smith, an associate professor in the mining engineering department at the Colorado School of Mines.
The lab will involve bi-weekly meetings, presentations and Q&A sessions by students, small group brainstorming sessions, discussions of policy-relevant topics, and networking opportunities. Throughout the year, the scholars will work together to produce policy-focused articles. The lab will also inform students of grant funding opportunities, proposed and upcoming legislation, and conferences. By participating in the lab, students will be able to improve their research questions and approaches and, in turn, the policy recommendations that emerge from their work. At the end of the academic year, RFF will host a virtual, public workshop where the students will present their work to a broad audience.
For more information about the lab and its motivations, read Spiller’s 2024 Common Resources blog post.
⚒️ How can I get involved?
The team is searching for a diverse group of students across a broad range of interests, including but not limited to engineering, economics, policy, anthropology, and sociology. This second class of scholars will consist of 12 to 15 PhD students who are conducting independent research in relevant areas.
Students interested in participating in the lab should apply using the instructions on the lab’s webpage. Applications are due by May 31, 2026. If you have questions, please contact Beia Spiller.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit research institution in Washington, DC. Its mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. RFF is committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy.
Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed here are those of the individual authors and may differ from those of other RFF experts, its officers, or its directors. RFF does not take positions on specific legislative proposals.
For more information, please see our media resources page or contact Media Relations and Communications Manager Annie Tastet.
