University of Groningen organizes ENLIGHT Green Labs symposium on 8 and 9 April

Many universities are actively working to make their research practices more sustainable, each at their own pace and within their specific context. To provide an opportunity to share experiences and gain inspiration, the ENLIGHT Green Labs symposium will be held on 8 and 9 April.

Programme

The first day consists of a private morning programme for ENLIGHT members and guests. The afternoon programme, featuring two keynote lectures and various presentations, is open to anyone interested (including students) and will be officially opened by Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen.

On the second day, there will be a plenary session, followed by guided tours of the laboratories of the University of Groningen. The second day is only open to ENLIGHT members and guests.

Keynote speakers open afternoon programme

Martin Farley is the founder of the lab accreditation framework LEAF and currently Deputy Director of Environmental Sustainability at UKRI (UK Research and Innovation). There, Martin is working on a new accreditation program: SPARKhub. He initiated sustainable science programs and laboratories in Edinburgh, King's College London, and UCL, and co-founded the UK Network for Sustainable Research.

Dr. Florijn Dekkers is Assistant Professor of Planetary Health at UMC Utrecht, Scientific Coordinator of Circular Hospitals, and educational innovator within the Planetary Health Integration Team (UMC Utrecht). Florijn is also co-founder of the multi-award-winning Green Labs NL Foundation, which accelerates the green transition of the scientific landscape in the Netherlands and beyond.

In addition, speakers from the University of Groningen will be Dr. Thomas Freese (Faculty of Science & Engineering) and Brian Wagner (Faculty of Behavioural & Social Sciences). And from the University Medical Center Groningen: Dr. Annemarie Leliveld and Renate Kat.

What is the ENLIGHT Green Labs Network?

Much is happening at ENLIGHT universities in the field of making laboratories more sustainable. However, previously, knowledge and best practices were not shared widely. To help share knowledge, the ENLIGHT Green Labs Network was established, led by the University of Groningen.

Are you not connected to the ENLIGHT Green Labs network, but would you like to participate on both days? Please contact greenoffice@rug.nl.