Laboratory managers and bioscience professionals from across the UK discussed and promoted sustainability in scientific research.

The inaugural UK Lab Management Biosciences Conference took place on Thursday 20 March 2025, at the Mandolay Hotel in Guildford, Surrey. 

Organised by The Pirbright Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, this event brought together laboratory managers and bioscience professionals from across the UK to discuss and promote sustainability in scientific research.

The conference theme, ‘Sustainability in Science’ underscored the importance of green laboratory practices and career development within the biosciences and research sector. Representatives from the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) presented their initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory sustainability. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to hear from fellow lab managers about the sustainable practices implemented at their respective organisations. 

Key topics addressed during the conference included changing behaviours to decarbonise laboratories and career growth focusing on professional skills in biorisk management. The UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy presented an introduction to the Technician Commitment. 

Exhibitors from leading companies, including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wasteless Bio, pHcbi, and Greiner Bio-One Ltd, provided participants with insights into the latest sustainable technologies and services available for laboratory environments.

Attendees maximised the knowledge exchange opportunities and participated in workshops that provided a wealth of useful ideas and information, including a panel discussion covering the balance of innovation, efficiency and sustainability. 

Reflecting on the events success, meeting organiser and Laboratory Manager at The Pirbright Institute Olga Kotik stated, “Our inaugural Lab Management Biosciences Conference was an incredible success – we were fully booked well in advance, which really highlighted the demand for this kind of event within the biosciences and lab management community. There’s clearly a strong appetite for lab professionals to come together and share best practices, our aim was to connect lab managers from different organisations to encourage a collaborative effort in lowering carbon emissions. From the moment delegates arrived, they were eager to connect, exchange ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions.”

“We’ve had so many attendees express how valuable the sessions were and how they left with practical takeaways they could implement in their own labs. With such enthusiasm and engagement, it's clear this conference has struck a chord – and we’re looking forward to it becoming an annual event.” 

The conference offered several benefits to participants, such as travel bursaries, inclusive lunch and refreshments, and discounted accommodation options, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all attendees. 

The success of this inaugural conference highlights the growing commitment within the biosciences community to embrace sustainable practices and foster professional development. Plans are already underway to establish this conference as an annual event, continuing to support and inspire laboratory professionals in their pursuit of sustainability and excellence.

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence in research and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Based in the UK and receiving strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Institute works to enhance capability to contain, control and eliminate these economically and medically important diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience.

The Institute is an independent company, limited by guarantee and a registered charity, governed by a Board of non-executive Trustee Directors.

With an income of £38.6m in strategic BBSRC funding and operational income in 2023/2024, the Institute contributes to global food security and health, improving quality of life for animals and people.