This session of Coffee with EMBL delves into the critical topic of sustainability in life sciences and scientific research. Guest speakers discuss various aspects of sustainable practices in laboratories, including energy efficiency, waste management, and data management. The conversation highlights the importance of adopting sustainability standards in scientific research and the practical steps that can be taken to reduce environmental impact. Topics covered range from the implementation of temperature standards in labs to managing data centers for AI computing and exploring sustainable travel options. This session provides valuable insights into how sustainability can be integrated into scientific research institutions and laboratory settings, fostering community engagement and promoting a more sustainable future in the scientific community.

Recorded on 29 September 2023

Guest speakers:

Martin Farley
UKRI Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability Programmes

Marta Rodriguez Martinez
Scientific Officer/Sustainability Officer, EMBL Heidelberg

Elisa GarciaWilson
Sustainability Officer, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee

Dunja FerringAppel
Lab Manager (Hentze group), EMBL Heidelberg

Raul Alvarez Tenor
Senior consiltant at eisar, Barcelona, Spain
IT Systems Engineer, EMBL Barcelona, 20182019


Timestamps:

0:00 Sustainability in Life Sciences with Guest Speakers
Introduction to the session focused on sustainability in life sciences.

5:37 Sustainable Labs and Energy Efficiency
Discussion on energy efficiency measures in laboratory settings.

9:00 Sustainability in Scientific Research
Examination of sustainable practices in scientific research.

14:34 Sustainability Standards for Labs
Overview of sustainability standards applicable to laboratories.

19:52 Sustainability in Life Sciences Research
Focus on sustainability within life sciences research specifically.

25:15 Sustainability in Scientific Research at EMBL
Insights into sustainability initiatives at EMBL.

29:55 Sustainability Practices in Molecular Biology Labs
Practical examples of sustainability practices in molecular biology labs.

34:37 Temperature Standards in Scientific Research
Discussion on the importance of temperature standards in research settings.

39:03 Sustainability in Scientific Research Institutions
Broader perspective on sustainability across research institutions.

42:24 Sustainability and Waste Management in Scientific Research
Addressing waste management as part of sustainable research practices

48:22 Sustainability in Scientific Research, Data Management, and Energy Efficiency
Combined focus on data management and energy efficiency for sustainability.

53:55 Reducing Energy Consumption in Data Centres for AI Computing
Strategies for reducing energy use in data centres dedicated to AI.

58:38 Managing Data in a Lab
Effective data management techniques for lab sustainability.

1:04:11 Sustainability in a Laboratory Setting
Practical steps to achieve sustainability in laboratory environments.

1:11:53 Sustainability in Scientific Research and Community Engagement
Importance of community engagement in promoting sustainability in research.

1:19:02 Transportation Options in Europe and the US
Exploring sustainable transportation options in different regions.

1:22:23 Sustainable Travel Options and Their Impact on the Environment
Impact of sustainable travel options on the environment.

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Coffee with EMBL is hosted by EMBL and moderated by EMBL alumnus Angus Lamond, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Dundee | Former Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg, 19871995, who coorganises the series together with Thomas Vaccari, Associate Professor, University of Milan | Former Predoctoral Fellow (Ephrussi Group) at EMBL Heidelberg, 19992004) and the EMBL Alumni Relations team.
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