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UCC researchers recognised for excellence in sustainable research laboratory spaces
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 excellence in sustainable research practices into Irish laboratories.
Reducing single-use plastics, inter-departmental equipment sharing, improving recycling facilities, mapping and preferentially using the most efficient equipment, energy saving fume hood optimisation, and improved inventory management are amongst the sustainable laboratory initiatives implemented by University College Cork (UCC) researchers to have received certifications under a Research Ireland-led programme, for bringing best-in-class, sustainable practices into their research laboratories.
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.
Making the announcement of 72 sustainable laboratory certifications to research spaces in 12 higher education institutions across Ireland, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD 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."
The UCC research teams to receive recognition for their sustainable laboratories include:
- Dr Paul Galvin, Dr Sofia Rodrigues Teixeira, Eileen Hurley and Derry Kelleher, Life Sciences Interface Lab B2.31, Tyndall National Institute.
- Professor Justin Holmes, Labs 1.01 and 1.04, Sustainability Institute.
- Dr Jerry Reen and Professor Ruth Massey, Biosciences Building Labs 3.28 and 3.29, School of Microbiology.
- Professor Astrid Wingler , Professor Marcel Jansen, Dr Rosanna Henriques, Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich and Dr Eoin Lettice, Butler Building Research Laboratory , School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences.
- Professor Paul O’Toole, Lab 4.38, School of Microbiology.
- Dr Susan Joyce, Metabolism (Host-Microbe) Group, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology.
- Dr María Rodriguez Aburto, Aburto Laboratory, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and APC Microbiome Ireland.
James Connolly, CEO, My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, stated: "At My Green Lab, our mission is to foster a global culture of sustainability within the scientific community, transforming our industry into a world leader in environmental stewardship. Irish academia continues to set a powerful example of what is possible when sustainability is prioritised in research and innovation. Everyone involved in this pilot project should be immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they have made within their institutions and beyond."
Congratulating UCC’s awardees, Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation said: "UCC is a global leader in sustainability and this recognition is a further example of the dedication of staff in leading research-led sustainable laboratory initiatives that will help shape UCC’s approach in sustainable practices in our research laboratories going forward."