Funding has been awarded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) for seven projects looking at a range of issues.
From how the environmental impact of prescribed drugs should be considered in their selection, to best practices for human brain imaging and use of disposable gowns in operating theatres.
Medical and life science research and innovation bring huge health, social and economic benefits, including improving wellbeing and prolonging life.
However, research activities and medical practice can also have a significant ecological and environmental impact, particularly through intensive energy use and creation of waste.
Projects aim to reduce environmental impact
MRC developed the funding opportunity in partnership with:
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Department of Health and Social Care
- NHS England
MRC-funded projects are looking at ways of improving medical research and practice, minimising waste and contributing to net zero targets.
Funded projects
The funded projects include:
- NHS Highland looking at ways of incorporating environmental impact into the selection of which drug to prescribe to patients
- the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine examining the feasibility of using drones to transport clinical samples and supplies in The Gambia
- the University of Sussex looking at reducing the carbon cost of human brain imaging
- King’s College London looking at ways to improve the environmentally sustainable storage of tissue samples
- the University of Sussex carrying out a study on attitudes to disposable clothing in operating theatres and barriers to the use of reusable clothing
- Imperial College London looking at reducing the environmental impact of operating theatres, which are three to six times more energy intensive than other areas of a hospital
- the University of Surrey and Institute of Cancer research investigating how medical research laboratories can be more sustainable without compromising the quality of science
The projects will run for 12 months.
It is intended that the results will be shared so that researchers and practitioners across the country can benefit from insights towards promoting and improving research and clinical practices.
MRC environmental sustainability programme
The research projects are funded as a component of MRC’s commitment of achieving net zero by 2040 and a wider environmental sustainability programme, as part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) sustainability strategy.
The programme focuses on MRC’s science estate, laboratory operations and supply chain, in addition to supporting research into improving environmental sustainability.
MRC also convenes a ‘green group’ of interested individuals with diverse experience from our institutes and units.
The group will draw on the experience of the entire research community, continuously sharing knowledge to ensure impact and change.
World-class medical and life science research
Susan Simon, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at MRC and Interim Programme Director UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme said:
We all know the huge benefits that the UK’s world-class medical and life science research and practice bring.
As in every other area of life and work in the UK, the sector must look at ways to minimise waste and environmental impact.
We believe there is widespread enthusiasm among medical researchers and practitioners to play their part in reaching the UK’s net zero target by 2050 and supporting MRC’s ambition to improve environmental sustainability in the research we fund.
Environmental sustainability of UK medical research
MRC is interested in hearing from those working within medical research, to better understand challenges and barriers when it comes to improving environmental sustainability in their work.
We’re seeking initial views via an online survey, from those who conduct, support, or manage UK-based medical research.
Please do share your thoughts, the survey is anonymous, with the option of supplying contact details if you wish.
Further information
The funded projects
Developing frameworks for eco-directed sustainable prescribing: towards reducing environmental pollution from healthcare practices
Professor Sharon Pfleger, NHS Highland
ICF: unmanned aerial vehicles (‘drones’) for sustainable vaccine research and improving equity in vaccine delivery: a feasibility study in The Gambia
Dr Ed Clarke, The Gambia Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Developing environmentally sustainable best practices for human brain imaging
Dr Charlotte Rae, University of Sussex
Environmental impact assessment of biobanking strategies: creating a sustainable biobanking roadmap for sample storage
Dr Gabrielle Samuel, King’s College London
Changing behaviours towards single-use textiles in the operating theatre
Professor Mahmood Bhutta, University of Sussex
GoGREEN: reducing the environmental impact of operating theatres, a behavioural science approach
Dr Tayla Porat, Imperial College London
Environmental life cycle assessment of research laboratory protocols
Professor Richard Murphy, University of Surrey
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