Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Nimbus Research Centre has officially been recognised as a national leader in sustainable research, receiving a Sustainable Laboratory Certification as part of Research Ireland’s landmark pilot programme.
The certification places the Nimbus Centre among 72 laboratories across 12 higher education institutions in Ireland recognised for implementing best-in-class sustainable practices in scientific research. The initiative is the first of its kind in the world, led by a national research funding agency and the announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.
The Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme, launched by Research Ireland in 2023 in partnership with My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, aims to embed environmental responsibility into the core of Ireland’s research infrastructure.
Dr. Susan Rea, Director of the Nimbus Research Centre at MTU, said: “At the Nimbus Centre, we believe research & innovation should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Participating in the Research Ireland Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme reflects our commitment to responsible research and innovation practices that not only advance technology but also reduce our environmental footprint. We’re proud to be part of a national effort to make Ireland’s research infrastructure more sustainable for the future.”
HELPING TO DRIVE CHANGE
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, with the initiative generating significant interest nationwide from researchers.
The pilot programme was independently evaluated at the end of 2024 and received strong endorsement for its success in driving change across the sector. Ireland now ranks second globally for laboratories participating in the My Green Lab Certification Programme, reflecting a strong commitment across the Irish research community to lead on climate-conscious innovation.
Teagasc have also had two laboratories certified, both the Microbial Genomics lab and the Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Colloidal Science, Encapsulation and Food Digestion. A total of 8 laboratories have been certified in UCC and 3 for University of Limerick – Actuate Lab – Crystallisation Lab; Actuate Lab – Piezoelectric Testing Lab and Multiphase Reactions and Process Intensification Lab.
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO at Research Ireland and the agency’s Climate Champion, welcomed the announcement, stating that participants changed their research practices for the better, helping to shape Research Ireland’s approach going forward.
