From rethinking lab practices to pioneering new sustainable initiatives, postgrads are taking action into their own hands. In this blog, hear from postgrads making their mark on research at Bath and how you can too.
Recently, the University launched the sustainable research hub. Two PhD students played a key role in shaping its content, drawing on their own experience and passion for sustainable lab practices. Alongside this, both students lead in the coordination of the University’s lab sustainability programme, LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework). They took the time to share their motivations for the project:
Lydia Hudson, PhD student in nature-based solutions, urban heat and climate justice, shared:
'We rarely stop to consider the environmental impact of research, even though it can be considerable. Without compromising research integrity, we need to reduce these negative side effects. I joined the sustainable research project because I think that the environmental impact of research should match the positive impact it has on society, education, medicine, policy and beyond.
However, with the pressures of our academic and personal lives, it can be difficult for us to push the boundaries of pre-existing research practice. This is where the new sustainable research hub comes in, it brings together a range of practical guidance to empower you to take meaningful action in your research and create lasting change.’
Matt Hutchins, PhD research student in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, shared:
‘I wanted to get involved as a lab champion at Bath because I had previously used the LEAF framework and saw the positive impact it had on my research lab at Manchester.
My PhD research topic is sustainable materials for automotive, so my research's impact on the environment is inherent to the project. Despite this, I took on this role as I wanted an opportunity to make an impact that extends beyond my studies. It can be challenging to know where to begin. Here are the first steps I recommend taking towards sustainable research practices:
- explore the sustainable research hub
- sign up to LEAF, our lab sustainability programme
- join the LEAF network on teams to stay up-to-date
Driving innovation at Bath and beyond
Dr Helen Liang, during her PhD studies at Bath, observed the growing issue of plastic waste in scientific research. She shared:
‘I was motivated to find a solution and saw an opportunity to make real impact in the research and healthcare sectors. This led to the creation of LabCycle, which is now being rolled out to all eligible labs at Bath. Get in touch by helenliang@labcycle.org if you want to get your lab up and running with LabCycle.’
And it doesn’t stop there. Inspired by Helen's work, Catherine Naughtie, a PhD student focused on sustainable mobility, is undertaking a research project into the perceptions of single-use plastics in labs. Catherine received funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and her work is opening new possibilities for influencing behaviour change in labs to reduce plastic use and drive tangible change.
Institutional support is growing too and the University is taking this space seriously. Bath recently committed to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice requiring action across our community, with abundant opportunities for postgrads to get involved and drive change in every stage of research.
Postgrads across the University continue to show that sustainable research practice isn’t just an ideal to strive for; it is achievable and an avenue for success. You too, can leave a mark on Bath's research community beyond your studies.
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