Registration MRC Environmental Sustainability (ES) Seminar/ Putting Sustainable Science into Practice: Lessons from the Biomedical Sciences (hybrid event)
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 2040 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 7: Putting Sustainable Science into Practice: Lessons from the Biomedical Sciences
Outline:
Seminar 7 of the MRC Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series will explore practical approaches for embedding sustainability across research operations in the biomedical sciences. The session will highlight sustainability-focused projects from across the community, demonstrating how laboratories and research programmes can implement environmentally responsible practices without compromising research excellence.
Through case studies, project presentations, and discussions, the seminar will examine both operational and cultural dimensions of sustainability—from infrastructure and resource management to researcher engagement, behavioural change, and adoption of innovative tools. Attendees will gain insights into real-world challenges, successful strategies, and lessons learned, fostering collaboration and inspiring replication of effective practices across the medical research ecosystem.
This session provides a platform for:
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Showcasing impactful sustainability projects in biomedical research.
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Sharing practical lessons, successes, and challenges in implementing sustainable practices.
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Encouraging collaboration and innovation across research groups, institutions, and sectors.
AGENDA:
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09.30 – 10.00 |
Arrival: Tea and coffee |
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10.00 – 10.15 |
Andrew Waggott, MRC Environmental Sustainability Programme Director
Opening remarks
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Session 1: |
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10.15 – 10.30 |
Rory Porteous, Sustainable Labs Officer, University of Glasgow
Leveraging Lab Sustainability as a Catalyst for Estates Strategy and Net Zero Delivery
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10.30 – 10:45 |
Dr. Maggy Fostier, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Genetics, Faculty Head of Environmental Sustainability, University of Manchester
From Curriculum to Campus: Embedding Sustainability in Bioscience Research to Influence Laboratory Practice and Net Zero Delivery
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10:45 – 11:00 |
Rajnika Hirani, Head of Sustainability, The Francis Crick institute
Small sustainable actions, making big collective environmental impact in the labs
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11:00 – 11:15 |
Martin Farley, UKRI Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability Programme
From Tools to Transformation: How SPARK-Hub Enables Sustainable Research Practice
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11:15 – 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– 13.30 |
Dr. Joep Sprangers, Sustainable lab coordinator, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht (virtually)
The Hidden Footprint of Animal-derived Products and Work-related Air Travel in Science
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13:30 – 13:45 |
Dr Isobel Taylor-Hearn, Cancer Sciences Researcher, University of Manchester
Toward Sustainable Cell Culture: Quantifying the Impact of Lab Protocols
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13:45 – 14:00 |
Nadja D'Uonno', Senior Research Technician & Aiste Bulviciene, Laboratory Technician, King’s College London
Empowering sustainable science through behavioural change
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14:00 – 14:15 |
Andy Evans, Director Green Light Laboratories Ltd
Data practices and Procurement!
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14:15 – 15:15 |
Q&A Session |
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15:15-15:30 |
Closing remarks/Event closes |
Who Should Attend:
- Colleagues and stakeholders in the medical science and research communities.
- Anyone interested in integrating environmental sustainability into their research or healthcare practices.
Date: 19th January 2026
Location: Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA (Library room)
Start and finish time of the event: 10:00am (9:30 refreshments) - 3:00pm
If you have any questions, please contact sustainableresearch@mrc.ukri.org
Registration
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Environmental Sustainability