Keeping Up with Environmental Sustainability Requirements in Research: Institutional Approaches and Challenges - Leeds Beckett University

UKNSR Autumn Workshop 2026

The environmental sustainability landscape for research is changing rapidly.

Universities and research organisations are increasingly expected to respond to a growing range of requirements and expectations, including the Concordat for Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, funder requirements, certification schemes, institutional net zero commitments and evolving governance expectations.

The UKNSR Autumn Community Workshop will bring together colleagues from across the sector to discuss how institutions are responding to these challenges and opportunities.

The Autumn Community Workshop is designed as an interactive, discussion-led workshop. The emphasis is on peer learning, knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving, providing attendees with the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore practical solutions with colleagues from across the sector.

The day will include:

A Leeds Beckett University sustainability and sustainable research showcase

Updates from UKNSR and UKRI (SPARK Hub)

A facilitated discussion on institutional responses to emerging sustainability requirements

Facilitated roundtable discussions exploring the key barriers, challenges and opportunities identified by attendees through the pre-event questionnaire.

Opportunities to share challenges, barriers and examples of good practice

Networking with colleagues from across the UK sustainable research community

This event is intended for colleagues able to influence change within:

Sustainable research

Sustainability teams

Research management and administration

Technical services

Laboratories and research facilities

Procurement and operations

Research governance and leadership

Networking Social

Attendees are also invited to join an informal networking social in Leeds city centre on the evening of Wednesday 4th November 2026. Further details will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event.

Registration

As part of registration, attendees will be asked to:

1) Provide a short institutional update to help inform discussions during the event

2) Complete the UKNSR UK HEI Sustainability Roles and Governance Survey

3) Select a preferred roundtable discussion topic

Event Timing

The formal programme will run from 10:00 to 15:30. Lunch will be provided.

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

We look forward to welcoming you to Leeds Beckett University.

Description supplied by the event organiser.