Working Towards More Sustainable Research

Researchers, representatives of research institutions, and members of the science and sustainability communities met at the FWF for a two-day “Greening Research” workshop to discuss new approaches in the field of sustainability. The meeting focused on creating the framework conditions needed to help researchers conduct their research in a more resource-efficient manner.

Recognizing challenges, sharing solutions

Making research more sustainable is a complex and multifaceted goal. The various scientific disciplines each face different challenges, but also present a variety of options for the implementation of sustainable research. It is up to research institutions like universities to develop interdisciplinary approaches and guidelines that support sustainable research.

Since the majority of research is dependent on third-party funding, funding organizations are also required to make sure their financial and decision-making requirements are in line with research institutions’ needs.

During the two days, participants talked about the key challenges involved in making research more sustainable and looked at best practice examples.

Keynote, panel discussion, and workshop

The program started with a keynote speech on the current state of global climate change research with a focus on the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by FWF Vice-President and climate researcher Georg Kaser. Afterwards, a panel discussion focused on the key question, “How can research organizations encourage sustainable research processes?”

Moderated by FWF President Christof Gattringer, Lisa Bohunovsky (BOKU University, Alliance of Sustainable Universities), Jeroen Dobbelaere (Institute of Science and Technology Austria [ISTA]), Georg Kaser (FWF), Melina Kerou (Green Labs Austria, University of Vienna) and Lea Quilitz (SNSF) discussed concrete courses of action and challenges from different perspectives.

The second day featured a closed session of the Science Europe working group “Greening Research,” with presentations by representatives of Science Europe and the FWF and working discussions on sustainability strategies at the European and national levels.

FWF prepares Sustainability Strategy

The FWF’s Sustainability Strategy is scheduled to be published this summer. It is based on three pillars: the sustainable implementation of FWF projects, sustainable operations at the FWF Office, and funding research on sustainability.

Starting in the fall of 2025, the FWF plans to require a statement from principal investigators on sustainability in the implementation of their project when applying for Principal Investigator Project funding. This requirement is intended to raise awareness by encouraging researchers to reflect on their own research practices.

With this approach, the FWF aims to fulfill its responsibility as a research funding organization and, by raising awareness in the research community, contribute to the development of a more sustainable society within its sphere of influence.