This year’s EMBO Lab Sustainability Award recognizes significant collaborative contributions to the development of sustainable wet and dry labs with a focus on their environmental impact. It is awarded to two exceptional grassroots networks: Green Labs Netherlands and the UK Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN). The projects receive a grant of 10,000 euros each.
EMBO Director Fiona Watt says: “The EMBO Lab Sustainability Award 2025 celebrates the power of community-driven action in making life sciences research environmentally sustainable. I am delighted that it honours Green Labs Netherlands and the UK Laboratory Efficiency Action Network. They have shown that inspiring grassroots initiatives can drive real change through innovation, collaboration and education.”
Green Labs Netherlands receives the award for advancing sustainable research practices in Europe. It is recognized for rapid growth, innovative approaches and strong engagement with multiple science stakeholders, particularly funding agencies. Furthermore, its community work, communications via social media and dissemination of Open Source materials raise awareness and promote sustainability in science. The Open Access e-module Just and Sustainable Science Practices and Laboratory Research, developed in collaboration with UMC Utrecht, is a creative and impactful way to integrate sustainability in education.
Florijn Dekkers represents Green Labs Netherlands. Further members of the network who were co-applicants for the award are Marit de Kort, Joep Sprangers, Rolf Slaats, Mandy Erkelens, Laura Meulenbroeks, Boaz Chemtob, Thomas Freese, Aram de Haas and Gabriela Dankova.
The Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN) in the UK is recognized as one of the pioneering grassroots networks in Europe. Since its inception in 2018, when sustainability in research had a relatively low profile, LEAN has played a key role in raising awareness and building momentum. The award particularly acknowledges the organization of recent workshops and conferences on implementing the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice by LEAN, and the development of education programmes. LEAN had a central role in shaping a sustainable research landscape in the UK and inspiring grassroots networks across Europe.
LEAN is represented by Anna Lewis. Co-applicants for the award were Marcelo Salierno and Matthew Bennett.
A webinar series this autumn will feature presentations from the two networks and other shortlisted initiatives.