MTU’s Nimbus Research Centre Recognised in Ireland’s First Sustainable Lab Certification Programme
The Nimbus Research Centre has officially been recognised as a national leader in sustainable research, receiving a Sustainable Laboratory Certification as part of Research Ireland’s landmark pilot programme.
Announced on July 16th by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, the certification places the Nimbus Centre among 72 laboratories across 12 higher education institutions in Ireland recognised for implementing best-in-class sustainable practices in scientific research. The initiative is the first of its kind in the world, led by a national research funding agency.
The Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme, launched by Research Ireland in 2023 in partnership with My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, aims to embed environmental responsibility into the core of Ireland’s research infrastructure.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, welcomed the announcement: “Research involves more than exploration and discovery; it also demands attention to how we conduct our work and the impact it has on our communities and our planet. Research carries with it a responsibility to operate with integrity, to use resources wisely, and to ensure our pursuit of knowledge does not come at an unsustainable cost to the world around us. I warmly congratulate all the laboratory teams recognised today for their commitment to greener practices. This initiative, led by Research Ireland, marks a significant and encouraging step in placing sustainability at the centre of our national research system and signals Ireland’s intent to lead by example on climate-conscious innovation.”
Dr. Susan Rea, Director of the Nimbus Research Centre at MTU, said: “At the Nimbus Centre, we believe research & innovation should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Participating in the Research Ireland Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme reflects our commitment to responsible research and innovation practices that not only advance technology but also reduce our environmental footprint. We’re proud to be part of a national effort to make Ireland’s research infrastructure more sustainable for the future.”
The pilot programme was independently evaluated at the end of 2024 and received strong endorsement for its success in driving change across the sector. Ireland now ranks second globally for laboratories participating in the My Green Lab Certification Programme, reflecting a strong commitment across the Irish research community to lead on climate-conscious innovation.
Nimbus Commitment to Sustainable Research Practices
Welcoming the announcement, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO at Research Ireland and the agency’s Climate Champion, commented: “Research Ireland wishes to congratulate and thank all those involved in the pilot. Not only have participants changed their research practices for the better, but, in turn, they have helped to shape Research Ireland’s approach going forward. The independent evaluation endorsed the pilot and has set out clear recommendations for next steps. Research Ireland will continue to work closely with the research community nationally and internationally as we expand our climate action activities.”
James Connolly, CEO, My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, stated: “At My Green Lab, our mission is to foster a global culture of sustainability within the scientific community, transforming our industry into a world leader in environmental stewardship. Since the first laboratory at the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices achieved certification in 2019, Ireland has demonstrated exceptional commitment to this mission, now ranking second globally for the number of laboratories enrolled in the My Green Lab Certification Programme. This report reaffirms what we have long known: Irish academia continues to set a powerful example of what is possible when sustainability is prioritised in research and innovation. Everyone involved in this pilot project should be immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they have made within their institutions and beyond.”
More information on the Certification programme
https://www.researchireland.ie/news/sustainable-laboratory-certifications/