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Mission and Goals

UKNSR’s mission is to promote and support sustainable ways of conducting research across all disciplines. We provide practical guidance, tools and community to help researchers and institutions measure, reduce and share their environmental impact.

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Formerly known as the Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN), UKNSR has grown into a national consortium addressing sustainability across the entire research ecosystem — from strategy and governance to operational practice and digital infrastructure.

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Our work spans procurement, waste reduction, energy and water management, equipment sharing, transport and travel, research governance and policy, and digital sustainability. Through collaboration with funders, institutions and professional networks, we help embed environmental responsibility as a core element of research excellence.

UKNSR Timeline & Key Sector Milestones

2030

Current deadline for European and International Climate Targets.

January 2026

Funding bodies embed sustainability in grant compliance

Major UK research funders — including Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK — move from guidance to formal compliance, requiring institutions to demonstrate sustainable research practices as a condition of funding. This milestone cements sustainability as a core element of research governance, with UKNSR supporting alignment, readiness and consistent implementation across the sector.

June - October 2025

UKNSR rebrands from LEAN. First funded position.

UKNSR rebrands from the Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN), reflecting its broader focus on sustainable research across all disciplines. The network secures its first funded role through GW4 support, strengthening coordination and delivery.
 

April 2024

Launch of the Concordat for Environmental Sustainability

The Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research & Innovation Practice launches, led by UKRI, Wellcome Trust, and sector institutions. The Concordat establishes shared national expectations for embedding sustainability into research and innovation systems. UKNSR contributes to its implementation through sector engagement, guidance, and alignment of tools and frameworks.

2011-2014

Introduction of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).

Development of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) by University College London — the first structured tool for assessing and improving environmental performance in research laboratories. LEAF provided the foundation for future national frameworks in sustainable research practice.

Membership

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  • Membership to UKNSR is free, with no joining fees or any other costs associated. 

  • Members must read and agree to the UKNSR Terms of Reference.

  • UKNSR does not receive sponsorship, nor is the network supported or influenced by any private enterprise. The sole purpose of UKNSR is to promote sustainability in research settings.​​

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Who should join UKNSR?

 

Anyone from publicly funded institutions with an interest in conducting research sustainably. This includes, but is not limited to:  â€‹

  • Researchers 

  • Technicians / Research Technical Professionals (RTPs)

  • Academics 

  • Teaching staff 

  • Students

  • Lab Managers  

  • Sustainability Professionals

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UKNSR Board Members

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Chair: Rajnika Hirani, Francis Crick Institute

Secretary: Lucy Westover, University of Bristol

Treasurer: Anna Lewis, University of Bristol 

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Standing Board Members

Founding Member and Director: Anna Lewis, University of Bristol 

Founding Member and Director: Martin Farley, UKRI

Caitlin Broadbent, University College London

Maggy Fostier, University of Manchester

Matthew Bennett, University of Cambridge

Marcelo Salierno, Kings College London

Lucy Westover, University of Bristol

Rajnika Hirani, Francis Crick Institute

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Network Coordinator: Matthew Fackrell, University of Bristol

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