On Tuesday 16th December, members of Oxford’s research community gathered in the recently opened Life and Mind Building for LEAF Oxford Forum, a half-day event dedicated to advancing sustainable research practice and for celebrating four years of achievements through the LEAF scheme.
A highlight of the event was the LEAF 2024-25 Celebration and Showcase, in which Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey recognised outstanding contributions to sustainability across Oxford’s laboratories and departments.
The MRC WIMM Sustainability Team, consisting of the Sustainability Committee and Sustainability Working Group, received the ‘Recognising Community and Culture’ award. Jill Brown, an integral member and driving force within the team, accepted the award from the Vice Chancellor and spoke about the team’s achievements so far, as well as their goals for the future.
 Jill Brown accepting the award from Vice Chancellor Irene Tracey on behalf of the sustainability team. |
 Jill Brown speaking about the team's achievements at the LEAF Oxford Forum |
 Members of the WIMM Sustainability Team with the award at LEAF Oxford Forum |
The MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine is a unique research environment, housing over 450 staff from 7 departments, all under one roof. This brings strengths with the diversity of science and expertise in the building, but also creates challenges when establishing sustainable practices throughout the labs.
Over the last year, the MRC WIMM Sustainability Team has supported all labs and facilities within the Institute in achieving LEAF accreditations, with over 75% attaining Silver or above. The team works hard to create a community around sustainability, including hosting an engaging programme of events during Green Action Week and monthly litter picks. The team also have a prominent presence at the Institute’s annual away day, where they run a stall throughout the day to engage with MRC WIMM members on a variety of sustainability-related topics.
In addition to these activities, members of the MRC WIMM Sustainability Team have also been working with the University's Environmental Sustainability Team to help shape the accreditation framework for sustainability in dry lab settings.
The positive changes in sustainability at the MRC WIMM have only been possible through a hugely committed and enthusiastic team who work with passion to bring this change about.
Members of the MRC WIMM can learn more about sustainability at the Institute on the intranet: https://unioxfordnexus.sharepoint.com/sites/IMMD-Sustainability (SSO required)