In this session of Coffee with EMBL, guest speakers and experts explore various aspects of sustainability in life sciences. The discussion covers sustainable practices in laboratories, energy efficiency, waste management, and data management. Highlights include initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, strategies for implementing sustainability standards in labs, and the role of young scientists in driving change. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining neutrality in global health initiatives and the challenges of managing data centers for AI computing. Additionally, the potential of using Salmonella as a delivery system for vaccine development is discussed, emphasizing its simplicity and stability. This session provides valuable insights into how sustainability can be integrated into scientific research and laboratory settings, fostering community engagement and promoting a more sustainable future.
_ _ _
Guest speakers:

Lucia von Bredow
Ethics Lead, EMBL Heidelberg

Boyan Garvalov
Senior Scientist, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), University of Heidelberg
Predoctoral Fellow (Griffiths Group), EMBL Heidelberg, 1998-2003

Benjamin Lang
Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg, 2014-2017
_ _ _
Timestamps:

0:00 - Sustainability in Life Sciences with Guest Speakers
Introduction and welcoming remarks, recognition of EMBL’s AI User Prize.

5:37 - Sustainable Labs and Energy Efficiency
Development of standards for sustainable labs and reducing waste and carbon emissions.

9:00 - Sustainability in Scientific Research
Reach and impact of sustainability initiatives across 16 countries and 200 labs.

14:34 - Sustainability Standards for Labs
Expansion of the Leaf program and adaptation to various lab environments.

19:52 - Sustainability in Life Sciences Research
Leveraging EMBL alumni community to expand the reach of sustainability resources.

25:15 - Sustainability in Scientific Research at EMBL
Efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and achieve net-zero emissions at EMBL.

29:55 - Sustainability Practices in Molecular Biology Labs
Challenges and successes in implementing sustainability practices in labs.

34:37 - Temperature Standards in Scientific Research
Adjusting storage temperatures in labs to reduce energy consumption.

39:03 - Sustainability in Scientific Research Institutions
Implementing sustainability initiatives through a bottom-up approach.

42:24 - Sustainability and Waste Management in Scientific Research
Changing attitudes towards sustainability and the role of young scientists.

48:22 - Sustainability in Scientific Research, Data Management, and Energy Efficiency
Importance of lab-wide participation in sustainability and data management practices.

53:55 - Reducing Energy Consumption in Data Centers for AI Computing
Optimizing data center operations and exploring heat reuse.

58:38 - Managing Data in a Lab
Teaching young scientists about data management and efficient storage techniques.

1:04:11 - Sustainability in a Laboratory Setting
Small changes in lab practices to reduce waste and improve recycling efforts.

1:11:53 - Sustainability in Scientific Research and Community Engagement
Setting sustainability goals for community improvement and reducing travel emissions.

1:19:02 - Transportation Options in Europe and the US
Differences in transportation policies and sustainable travel options.

1:22:23 - Sustainable Travel Options and Their Impact on the Environment
Balancing travel choices with carbon emissions and cultural exchange.

_ _ _
Coffee with EMBL is hosted by EMBL and moderated by EMBL alumnus Angus Lamond, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Dundee | Former Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg, 1987-1995, who co-organises the series together with Thomas Vaccari, Associate Professor, University of Milan | Former Predoctoral Fellow (Ephrussi Group) at EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004) and the EMBL Alumni Relations team.
_ _ _