Bringing sustainability to science

Translation by Diana Taborda

Addressing participants at the first symposium of the GreenLabs Portugal network, João Ramalho-Santos, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Coimbra, said: "We have to start somewhere, and research is a good place to start!"

Throughout the day, various stakeholders discussed topics such as sustainability in scientific research, the steps to creating a green lab, and tips for conducting eco-friendly research.

Patrícia Pereira da Silva, UC Pro-Rector for Planning and Sustainability, was also present at the event and explained that "this is the first of several initiatives as part of the Sustainability Days" that will take place at the UC between the 22nd and 29th of September. Pereira da Silva also outlined some of the measures taken by the University of Coimbra, "the most sustainable university in Portugal and the 29th in the world".

The coordinator of the Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Luís Pereira de Almeida, said that "this day marks an important moment" and urged: "let our common journey towards sustainability have a significant impact".

One of the main themes was "sustainability in research", and Sílvia Machado, Executive Director for Sustainability at the Portuguese Business Confederation, stressed that "the big challenge is human behaviour" and that "we need to consume less and better". Joana Magalhães, from the GreenLabs Portugal network, also offered advice to researchers in the field. "Start with simple steps like reusing, recycling, switching off lights or appliances".

Read more about the symposium here.