MRC Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series (hybrid)

Closes 18 Nov 2024

Opened 2 Oct 2024

Overview

Join the MRC Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series!

Seminar 5: Optimising Sample Storage: Best Practice, Strategies, and Low Temperature Storage Solutions

Focus: Explore how biobanks and Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) freezers can be optimised for efficiency and sustainability. This seminar will feature expert insights into the challenges and solutions in sustainable sample storage, with a focus on best practices, data-driven improvements, and collaborative approaches across the medical research and healthcare sectors.

Key Topics:

  • Sample Storage Optimisation: Learn about sustainable management systems, energy-efficient technologies, and practical strategies for ULT freezers.
  • Real-Life Case Studies: Hear firsthand experiences of overhauling biobank storage practices, including challenges and innovative solutions.
  • Data-Driven Improvements: Discover how comprehensive data can drive enhancements in storage practices and engage with manufacturers to promote sustainability.
  • Collaborative Implementation: Discuss opportunities to extend sustainable practices across healthcare and research sectors.

AGENDA: 

Time  

Start  

09.30 – 10.00   

Arrival: Tea and coffee   

10.00 – 10.10 

Opening remarks   

   

Session 1: Introduction & Scene Setting: Best practices & Challenges 

10.10 – 10.30 

Heather Briggs, Programme Manager: Advice, Comms & Human Tissue 
Medical Research Council, Regulatory Support Centre 

Setting the scene: biobanking in the UK 

10.30 – 11:00 

John Busby, Chief Operating Officer, UK Biobank 

UK Biobank’s experience of large-scale biobanking: challenges and change

11:00 – 11:20  

Martin Farley, UKRI Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability 

Matthew Graham, Research Assistant, Kings College London 

Data & Learnings from Sustainability in Biobanking Roadmap Research

11:20 – 12:00  

Q&A Session  

12.00 – 13.00  

Break & Lunch   

   

Session 2:  Real-Life Experiences with Sample Storage  

13:00– 13.20 

Andy Evans, Director Green Light Laboratories Ltd 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Cold Storage

 13:20 – 13:40  

Dr Louise Aigrain, Head of Research Operations, MRC Epidemiology Unit   

University of Cambridge, Institute of Metabolic Science, 

Nordic System at the BioRepository (MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge) 

13:40:14:00 

Dr Greg Anderson, Associate Director Research Infrastructure at King's College London 

Cold Storage – Managing Entropy 

14:00 – 14:45  

Q&A Session  

14:45 – 15.00  

Closing remarks & Wrap up  

15.00   

Event close  

15:00 – 17:00  

Networking 

 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: 25th November 2024
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre
BS1 6NJ
Online: Virtual participation link will be provided upon registration.

Start and finish time of the event: (9:30 -15:00)

If you have any questions, please contact sustainableresearch@mrc.ukri.org

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Environmental Sustainability