The Heidelberg Agreement provides a framework for research funders to play an active role and incentivize sustainable practices in research. It was initiated during the EMBO worshop Founders Role in Promoting Environmentally Sustainable Lab Research which took place in Heidelberg, Germany, in May 2024.
The 6 main points of the agreement are:
- Funders cannot risk doing nothing
- Funders should set ambitious goals
- Funding agencies should share a set of principles towards sustainability
- Funders should highlight the importance of sustainability in their funding schemes
- Funders should support the coordinated development and adoption of education, quantification and accreditation tools
- Funders should involve researchers and research organisations
Read the Heidelberg Agreement here or download below.
