{"id":514,"date":"2025-05-21T12:38:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/climate-action\/?p=514"},"modified":"2025-05-21T12:38:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:38:24","slug":"postgrads-championing-sustainable-research-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/sustainable-bath\/2025\/05\/21\/postgrads-championing-sustainable-research-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Postgrads championing sustainable research practices"},"content":{"rendered":"

From rethinking lab practices to pioneering new sustainable initiatives, postgrads are <\/span>taking action<\/span> into their own hands. In this blog, hear from postgrads making their mark on research at Bath and how you can too.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, the University launched the <\/span>sustainable research hub<\/span><\/a>. Two PhD students played a key role in shaping its content, drawing on their own experience and passion for sustainable lab practices. <\/span>Alongside this, both students lead in the coordination of the University\u2019s lab sustainability programme, <\/span>LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework)<\/a>.<\/span> They took the time to share their motivations for the project:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lydia Hudson, PhD student in nature-based solutions, urban heat and climate justice, shared:\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

'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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.\u2019<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Matt Hutchins, PhD research student in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, shared:\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I 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.\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n

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My PhD research topic is sustainable materials for automotive, so my research's impact on the environment is inherent to the project. <\/span>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:<\/span><\/p>\n