SEMINAR 8: Embedding Environmental Sustainability into Research: From Strategy to Practice
Overview
MRC ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR SERIES
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Medical Research Council (MRC) is committed to achieving a Net Zero position by 2050 and improving the environmental sustainability of its estate, research, and operations. To support this goal, MRC has initiated a programme to transform its operations and facilities. This effort recognises that scientific progress and environmental sustainability must advance together, and that research operations, while complex, can be aligned with sustainability goals.
Over recent years, MRC has identified and adopted good practice from higher education, business, government, and wider research sectors. To foster broader engagement and commitment within the life science research community, a seminar series has been developed to explore various aspects of environmental sustainability. These seminars provide a platform to share knowledge, learn from other initiatives, and build support networks.
SEMINAR 8: Embedding Environmental Sustainability into Research: From Strategy to Practice
- 6th July 2026 | 09:30 – 15:30
- The Life and Mind Building, University of Oxford
- Hybrid event (with networking opportunities post the event)
AGENDA:
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09.30 – 10.00 |
Arrival: Tea and coffee |
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10.00 – 10.10 |
Andrew Waggott, MRC Environmental Sustainability Programme Director Opening remarks |
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Session 1: |
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10.10 – 10.25 |
Dr. Susan Simon, Director, UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme Director Capital & Estates, Medical Research Council Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer, Medical Research Council Aims of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice and the Concordat Oversight Board |
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10:25 – 10:40 |
Susannah Cook, Sustainability Implementation Manager, University of Edinburgh Lessons learned from two years of the Concordat at the University of Edinburgh |
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10.40 – 11:00 |
Dr Laura Day-Ashely, Associate Professor of Education, Sustainability Lead, College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham Embedding sustainability into 'how we work': A whole-college approach at University of Birmingham Q&A Panel: Dr Laura Day-Ashley will be joined by Professor Jonathan Fisher, Professor of Global Security and Deputy Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer, and Iola Jones, Head of Operations, Research and Knowledge Transfer (RKT), College of Social Sciences, for the discussion and Q&A session. |
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11:00 – 11:20 |
Dr. Simon Breedon, Technician Commitment Associate Lead, The UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy Embedding Environmental Sustainability Through Strategic Technical Leadership |
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11:20 – 12:15 |
Q&A Session |
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12.15 – 13.15 |
Break & Lunch
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Session 2: |
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13:15– 13.35 |
Samantha Barker, Category Manager Research and Professional Service and Responsible Procurement Lead, University of Exeter How do we translate responsible procurement into practice? |
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13:35 – 13:55 |
Professor Jordan Raff, César Milstein Chair of Cancer Cell Biology, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, UK Increasing Sustainability in a Biomedical Research Lab |
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13:55– 14:15 |
Lee Hibbett, Technical Manager, The University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy Embedding Sustainability through Practice and Training: ITSS ESN Laboratory Efficiency Training Course |
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14:15 – 15:15 |
Q&A Session |
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15:15-15:30 |
Closing remarks/Event closes |
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15:30 – 17:00 |
Networking session |
Outline:
Seminar 8 of the MRC Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series will focus on how environmental sustainability can be systematically embedded into research, rather than treated as a separate or optional activity. The session will explore how sustainability is integrated across the full research lifecycle, including governance, leadership, policy, organisational culture, and operational delivery.
Drawing on perspectives from universities, research organisations, and the biomedical research community, the seminar will highlight real-world examples of institutions and teams embedding sustainability into research systems and day-to-day practice. Through expert presentations, practical case studies, and panel discussions, the session will examine both strategic and operational approaches, covering areas such as institutional governance, procurement, training, behavioural and culture change, and capability building.
The seminar aims to share lessons learned, address common challenges, and support organisations and research teams in translating sustainability ambitions into lasting practice—without compromising research excellence.
This session provides a platform for:
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Exploring how sustainability can be embedded into research governance, leadership, and organisational structures
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Sharing practical approaches to operationalising sustainability through procurement, training, and behavioural change
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Learning from real-world examples of successful sustainability integration in research environments
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Encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across institutions and sectors
If you have any questions, please contact sustainableresearch@mrc.ukri.org
Registration
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Environmental Sustainability