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Four APC Labs Receive Sustainable Laboratory Certifications
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD announced 72 sustainable laboratory certifications to research spaces in 12 higher education institutions across Ireland, under a Research Ireland-led programme.
APC Investigators Paul O’Toole – Lab 438, Susan Joyce – Metabolism (Host-Microbe) Group and María Rodriguez Aburto – Aburto Lab in University College Cork and John Kenny – Microbial Genomics at Teagasc were each awarded Sustainable Laboratory Certifications for implementing best-in-class, sustainable research practices in their labs.
Making the certifications announcement, Minister Lawless said “Research involves more than exploration and discovery; it also demands attention to how we conduct our work and the impact it has on our communities and our planet. Research carries with it a responsibility to operate with integrity, to use resources wisely, and to ensure our pursuit of knowledge does not come at an unsustainable cost to the world around us. I warmly congratulate all the laboratory teams recognised today for their commitment to greener practices. This initiative, led by Research Ireland, marks a significant and encouraging step in placing sustainability at the centre of our national research system and signals Ireland’s intent to lead by example on climate-conscious innovation.”
In partnership with Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab, Research Ireland’s Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme was launched in October 2023, with the aim of bringing best-in-class, sustainable research practices into Irish research labs.
Marking what was a global first, Research Ireland became the first national research funding body in the world to spearhead a certification process in lab sustainability. Research Ireland-funded researchers were invited to participate, and the initiative generated significant interest nationwide.
Welcoming the announcement, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO at Research Ireland and the agency’s Climate Champion, commented: “Research Ireland wishes to congratulate and thank all those involved in the pilot. Not only have participants changed their research practices for the better, but, in turn, they have helped to shape Research Ireland’s approach going forward. The independent evaluation endorsed the pilot and has set out clear recommendations for next steps. Research Ireland will continue to work closely with the research community nationally and internationally as we expand our climate action activities.”
