Sustainable research practicesEngagement project

Justina Adomaviciute & Olga Bloemen

Context

• Item B2. in SRS Implementation Plan 2011-12: “Publish best practice guidance on Sustainable Researcher”

• Employ.ed internship programme (by Careers Service)

• Collaboration between Institute for Academic Development & the Sustainability Office

• A resource like this not currently publicly available

Purpose

• Targeted at the 7500+ researchers at UoE• Aiming to encourage more responsible research

practises, covering all aspects of research (office, labs, energy efficiency, resource use, travelling)

• Content:– case studies– practical tips– the ‘why’: wider sustainability context

Current stage

• Questionnaire sent to research community: what information is needed and in what format?

• Drafting content based on feedback

Results of the questionnaire

• Great interest: – 159 responses to date– 24 interested in participating in focus groups– 76 want to be kept up-dated on the process

• Received feedback can inform work of the Sustainability Office, Estates & Buildings and SEAG Engagement

Results questionnaire

Results of the questionnaireHave you received any information during your time at the UoE about doing research in sustainable ways?

Emerging institutional culture…?

Information on sustainable research practices received from:

• Colleagues• Sustainability Office• School admin staff• Transition Edinburgh University• Ashworth Energy Project• Tour by building manager• IT staff• Lab tour by specialist• Lab managers• Printer sign IS• School sustainability committee• Floor managers

• Estates & Buildings• University website• Sustainability road show• Waste & Recycling department• Switch & Save Team

In what format would you prefer to receive and/or access these resources?

Next steps

• Phone interviews• Interdisciplinary focus group • Exploring possibilities to establish sustainable

research networks/task groups • Creating a resource that is adaptable by users

in different schools and at different levels

Embedding & promoting

• IAD courses for researchers• SRS webpage• Sustainability Office engagement activities• Suggestions from questionnaires and focus

groups

What do you think it entails to do your research at the University of Edinburgh in a sustainable way?

“…Building the urgent and complex policy and cultural debates into the life of the University. People need more than just "information" about how to cut down their energy use (…) they need a narrative frame within which such habitual and aspirational modifications make sense and receive appropriate attention and urgency. Nudges, while good, are insufficient. (…)

This means information about sustainability given high profile throughout, including frequent public lectures and debates/discussions about ethical, legal, psychological, spiritual, political and economic dimensions to sustainability/resilience.”

Thank you for your attention.

Questions and feedback?