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Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today announced that 72 research labs across 12 Irish higher education institutions have received Sustainable Laboratory Certifications under a pioneering programme led by Research Ireland.

“These certifications reflect a growing commitment to responsible research,” said Minister Lawless. “Sustainability must be at the heart of how we conduct science. I congratulate all labs recognised today for their leadership and example.”

The Bernal Institute proudly congratulates members Professor Vivek Ranade and Associate Professor Sarah Guerin, who are among a select group recognised with the prestigious Sustainable Laboratory Certification.

Professor Ranade received certification for his Multiphase Reactions and Process Intensification Lab, while Dr. Guerin’s award covers the Actuate Lab – Crystallisation and Piezoelectric Testing Lab. These certifications reflect not only excellence in scientific research but a deep commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of lab practices - setting a powerful example for future generations of researchers.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Guerin said: 

“We are delighted that our research into sustainable materials is now being carried out using sustainable research practices. Congrats to all of the team for their hard work, especially PhD researcher Tara Ryan, and thanks to the Green Lab team for all of the support and learnings throughout the process.”

Launched in October 2023 in partnership with Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab, Research Ireland’s Sustainable Lab Certification Pilot marked a global first: the world’s first national-level initiative to certify research sustainability. The programme attracted strong interest and concluded with a positive independent evaluation in 2024, outlining clear recommendations for future action and resources for labs beginning their sustainability journey.

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.”