Minister Lawless announces 72 Sustainable Laboratory Certifications
– Implementing best-in-class, sustainable research practices in labs nationwide

Pictured: Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD has today announced 72 sustainable laboratory certifications to research spaces in 12 higher education institutions across Ireland, under a Research Ireland-led programme.

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.

At the end of 2024, Research Ireland commissioned an independent evaluation of the Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme to assess its effectiveness in meeting its sustainability goals and inform next steps for Research Ireland. The evaluation was very positive and provided a significant number of actionable steps for Research Ireland, pilot participants, and certification providers to take forward. The report also provides resources for those beginning their journey with sustainable research.

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.”

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. Since the first laboratory at the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices achieved certification in 2019, Ireland has demonstrated exceptional commitment to this mission — now ranking second globally for the number of laboratories enrolled in the My Green Lab Certification Programme. This report reaffirms what we have long known: 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.”
Full list of SSPC recipients receiving Research Ireland Sustainable Laboratory Certifications:
Robert Elmes, Chemical Synthesis Lab, Maynooth University
Eoin Scanlan, The Biomolecular and Bioconjugate Synthesis Group, Trinity College Dublin
Jerry Reen, Ruth Massey, Lab 3.28 /3.29, University College Cork
Eoghan McGarrigle, A3.01 Science South Lab, University College Dublin
Peter Byrne, CSCB Lab L2.12, University College Dublin
Marcus Baumann, Baumann Research Group, University College Dublin
Paul Murphy, Carbohydrate and Organic Synthesis Lab, University of Galway
Sarah Guerin, Actuate Lab – Crystallisation Lab, University of Limerick
Sarah Guerin, Actuate Lab – Piezoelectric Testing Lab, University of Limerick
Vivek Ranade, Multiphase Reactions and Process Intensification Lab, University of Limerick