Sustainability Conversations podcast
How can we all help create a more environmentally sustainable research culture?
From rethinking research to carbon conscious conferencing and frugal computing to asking awkward questions, these bite-sized podcasts offer expert insights on integrating climate action into research. Listen to find out how to make sustainability a part of your research practices.
Who is this podcast for?
The audience is primarily researchers and those with responsibility for research training and leadership at the University of York, with a secondary focus on researchers in other institutions.
Funding and support
The podcast is supported by the Enhancing Research Culture Fund at the University of York and has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY). It was recorded at the University of York's Creativity Lab and produced by Dr Lucy Atkinson and Anna Morfitt with Dr Lynda Dunlop.
Purpose of podcast
The podcast series aims to 1) Support researchers to connect, share practice, and learn from experiences elsewhere on how to develop a more environmental sustainability research culture; and 2) create a space for reflection on the support needed to do research differently.
Theme 1: Research Frameworks
Episode 1: Authors of No Research on a Dead Planet
In this episode, we speak with the authors of the research paper 'No Research on a Dead Planet', delving into the story behind its creation and exploring the 'double reality' they observe within higher education institutions. The authors—Aaron Thierry, Laura Horn, Pauline von Hellermann, and Charlie J. Gardner—are all active members of Extinction Rebellion, and their paper unites their scientific expertise with their commitment to activism.
Length: 28 minutes 15 seconds
Episode 2: Professor David James discussing Research Excellence Framework
In this episode, we speak with Professor David James, Professor of Sociology of Education at Cardiff University. Alongside his background in teaching and research, Professor James was appointed chair of the UK 2021 Research Excellence Framework (subpanel 23, education). In this discussion, we explore the opportunities and challenges within the Research Excellence Framework, which may further promote environmentally sustainable research. We also explore simplification of the term “research ecosystem”, a popular term possibly used without full acknowledgement of its richness.
Length: 25 minutes 57 seconds
Theme 2: Conferencing and Travel
Episode 3: Claudia Zingerli and Ariane Wenger from ETH Zurich discussing conferencing and travel
In this episode, we welcome Professor Claudia Zingerli and Ariane Wenger from ETH Zurich. Professor Claudia Zingerli, head of ETH Sustainability, discusses ETH's flight decision-making tool, which is designed to support informed decisions regarding air travel. Ariane Wenger, a doctoral student, shares insights from her research on virtual conferencing, exploring effective virtual meetings and networking.
Length: 37 minutes 2 seconds
Episode 4: Dr Jon Green discussing the TR2AIL tool for travel
This episode features Dr Jon Green from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) at the University of York. We discuss the importance of considering both the motivations and methods of travel, exploring the TR2AIL tool and the role of personal reflection and supportive institutional travel policies in reducing carbon emissions.
If you are interested in engaging with the TR2AIL Tool please contact Jon Green at jonathan.green
Length: 19 minutes 34 seconds
Episode 5: Dr Tobias Palma Stade discussing hosting virtual conferencing in practice
In this episode, we speak to Dr Tobias Palma Stade, a lecturer in multimedia production at University of the Arts London. He is a key member of the Vantana Series, a popular conference bringing together decolonial research. Following adaptations during Covid, the conference maintains a hybrid format. With a focus on decolonisation, this conversation illustrates how considering environmental sustainability in our research also has huge decolonial impacts.
Length: 17 minutes 54 seconds
Theme 3: Network Building and Maintenance
Episode 6: Dr. Elsa Lee on her experience in a Europe-wide network
In this episode, we speak to Dr Elsa Lee, Director of Studies for Education at Homerton College, Cambridge, and link-convenor of the Environmental and Sustainability Education Research Network for the European Conference on Educational Research. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable conferencing and the importance of holistic approaches, context, and place-based learning. We also explore the expansion of ethics and its implications for environmental sustainability.
Length: 21 minutes 53 seconds
Episode 7: Dr Kate Roll discussing Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) UK
In this episode, we speak with Dr Kate Roll, Head of Teaching at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) and former Chair of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) UK. We discuss SDSN UK's approach to maintaining a network while prioritising environmentally sustainable networking practices. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to sustainability within our research and work.
Length: 26 minutes 56 seconds
Theme 4: Hidden Realities
Episode 8: Professor Wim Vanderbauwhede discussing Frugal Computing
Join us as we speak with Professor Wim Vanderbauwhede, a Computer Scientist focusing on low carbon and sustainable computing at the University of Glasgow. In this conversation, we explore the often-overlooked elements of computing, including networks, infrastructure, and the relationship between software and hardware. We explore the concept of “frugal computing” and its potential to help reach climate targets.
Length: 27 minutes 36 seconds
Episode 9: Sarah Clayton sharing sustainable education research and personal impact of PhD study
In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Clayton, a doctoral student at the University of York. Sarah shares her research on sustainable approaches to climate change education and provides valuable insights into how doctoral training programmes can support sustainable research. She also discusses personal practices she has adopted to support sustainability in her work and daily life.
Length: 18 minutes 33 seconds
Episode 10: Arnaud Rustan from Campus Kitchen discussing sustainable catering for conferences and events
In this episode, we speak with Arnaud Rustan, Senior Operations Manager for Catering, Hospitality and Retail at the University of York. We discuss sustainable conference catering through the lens of Campus Kitchen and explore how researchers, organisers, and delegates can incorporate these practical elements into their research practices.
Length: 19 minutes 45 seconds