For a zoom link to the Symposium, please contact the organizers on green.team@gimm.pt
Sustainability Symposium
Sustainability in fundamental scientific research is increasingly recognized as a critical component of responsible science. Researchers must take steps to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge is carried out in ways that minimize environmental impact, particularly through more efficient use of resources and better planning of experiments. This means reducing waste, optimizing the use of energy and materials, and considering the environmental costs of equipment, lab procedures, and overall research activities. Experimentation should be designed with sustainability in mind.
The institutions also need to create environments where researchers are encouraged—and even supported financially—to adopt greener practices. This might involve allowing more flexibility in budgets so that scientists can invest in energy-efficient equipment, sustainable materials, or other eco-friendly solutions, even if these choices come with slightly higher upfront costs. When institutions promote sustainable initiatives and reward eco-conscious decision-making, it empowers researchers to contribute to science in a way that aligns with global sustainability goals.
Finally, funding agencies have a unique opportunity to drive change by incorporating sustainability into their evaluation criteria. Research proposals can be judged on scientific merit and feasibility, they should also be assessed taking in consideration the sustainability of the proposed methodologies. Agencies could develop checklists that ensure projects consider long-term environmental impact. By rewarding research institutions and scientists that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, funding bodies can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable research ecosystem. Ultimately, sustainability in fundamental research is not only about conducting better science, but also about ensuring that scientific progress benefits both people and the planet for generations to come.
Concrete discussion points:
- What is the right balance between grassroots and community activities and top-down approaches? Why do we need both to transition to sustainable research?
- What are the advantages of a more sustainable research? Efficiency, reproducibility, giving back to society who funds research.
- Systematic incentives to sustainable research: How can it be achieved and who can be the driver? The need for funders in a transition to sustainable research.
- Quantification: The need for formal certification in research/lab environments to promote a sustainable transition.
This symposium is held as a satellite to the EMBO Workshop: Integrating cell and planetary scales to address climate resilience