EMBO awards a badge to Courses & Workshops that implement sustainability measures, to encourage organizers to reduce the environmental impact of their meetings.

Measures to choose from include:

• Certified or otherwise energy efficient venue
• Sustainably sourced catering, meat-free days, avoidance of bottled water and disposable wares.
• Virtual speakers instead of cross-continental travel, encouraging train travel for speakers and participants .

More information for EMBO Courses & Workshops organizers is available in the application guidelines.

Organizers may also find external resources helpful when planning sustainability measures. For example, The Company of Biologists has introduced a for academic events that can be used to estimate the carbon footprint of past or future meetings, identify major sources of emissions, and explore possible mitigation scenarios. This resource may be used to support planning and provides indicative estimates rather than exact figures. You can access “The Company of Biologists event carbon calculator” here.

As part of their sustainability initiative, The Company of Biologists offers grants from the newly named Fund for Innovations in Sustainable Conferencing (formally known as Sustainable Conferencing Grants), to support innovative ideas that enable biologists to collaborate productively while minimizing their impact on the environment. Funds are available to assist scientific conference organizers in several ways, including reducing the carbon footprint of travel to meetings as well as supporting innovative ideas and developments which may enhance the meeting experience for virtual attendees. EMBO Courses & Workshops organizers interested in applying for funding can do so directly on The Company of Biologists’ website Grants for Innovations in Sustainable Conferencing – The Company of Biologists

EMBO has interviewed conference participants and professional organizers to learn what scientists value most about scientific meetings, and if and how their needs can be addressed by virtual meetings. We use the report to inform our conference funding policies for the future.

Organizing a virtual or hybrid conference requires considerations in addition to those for an in-person conference. These include technology, preparing and supporting speakers, and managing expectations of virtual and in-person participants. This document provides an overview of points to consider when organizing a hybrid or virtual conference.

The platform is offered to organizers of scientific events funded by EMBO. It is linked to the website and registration system provided to the organizers, offers easy access to talks and poster sessions, and enables communication between participants. Please contact us if you would like to access the demo.

Join the discussion on more sustainable meetings, find tips and advice for organizing successful virtual or hybrid meetings. 

Registration fee waivers and childcare grants are available for virtual and hybrid EMBO Courses and Workshops via the organizers.