Have your say in paving the way to a sustainable future for UK Research & Innovation

Take part in the UKRI Concordat

The UK government committed to achieve net zero by 2050. To support this goal, the Research and Innovation (R&I) sector, which UCL forms part of, has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge research and innovation aimed at understanding and addressing environmental challenges faced by the UK.   

While continuing to support researchers and innovators in finding solutions, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) recognises the importance of conducting these activities in an environmentally responsible manner. As part of this effort, UKRI has played a leading role in developing a draft environmental sustainability concordat. 

UCL has received an invitation from UKRI who are inviting key stakeholders and Higher Education Organisations to actively participate in feedback on the draft version of the UKRI Concordat. This concordat will require higher education institutions to innovate and examine decision making processes and ways of working, which will likely impact the way in which we deliver research and innovation.  

As a result, we are seeking feedback from within our organisation to understand the needs and opinions of our colleagues and present a unified and consolidated approach to UKRI. To ensure that your views are heard, we have launched an internal survey on the concordat, which will remain open until the 31st of August. 

Have your say in the survey by 31st August (UCL internal only)

What is a concordat?  

The draft environmental sustainability concordat is an agreement aimed at gaining collective commitment from all organisations engaged in research or innovation activities to take immediate and consistent long-term actions in reducing and eliminating environmental impacts and emissions associated with research and innovation.   

This framework is critical in ensuring research and innovation's vital role in understanding our changing planet while promoting environmentally responsible practices. By uniting stakeholders from the R&I sector, the concordat strives to foster a shared ambition for transitioning towards sustainability. 

Your views matter  

Your views matter as the concordat presents an ambitious set of commitments for all signatories, including UKRI. To align with sustainable principles, UCL may need to reassess our decision-making processes, innovate, and adapt our ways of working. It is therefore vital that we get a full picture of feedback from across our UCL community.  

This unique opportunity allows UCL to actively shape the future of research and innovation practices in the UK. Your input can influence the final version of the concordat, addressing concerns and driving meaningful change.  

If you want to find out more, please see further information below. There is also an opportunity to join webinars featuring experts from the R&I sector involved in the concordat's development, which will provide insights into its key aspects, potential impact, and an opportunity for participants to get questions answered. 

Find out more:  

• What is UKRI?  

• Find out more about the UKRI Concordat   

• Link to Join a Webinar   

• Sustainable Research at UCL

• Sustainable Education at UCL  

Have your say in the survey by 31st August (UCL internal only)