Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG): Sustainability Guide for Research Processes
From The Embassy of Good Science
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Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG): Sustainability Guide for Research Processes
What is this about?
The Sustainability Guide for Research Processes, developed by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is a practical framework that helps researchers consider environmental sustainability when planning and conducting research. It consists of guiding questions rather than strict rules, allowing researchers to identify opportunities to reduce emissions, waste and the consumption of resources while maintaining high-quality research. The guide focuses on four main areas: travel; methodology and research design; computing; and the procurement, operation and use of equipment. Researchers are encouraged to consider alternatives such as reducing air travel, reusing existing data and samples, sharing equipment, using energy-efficient technologies, and reducing computing-related energy consumption. It also encourages researchers to identify potential conflicts between sustainability and research goals and make informed decisions. The DFG emphasises that sustainability considerations should support not compromise scientific excellence.
Why is this important?
The guide is important because research can have a significant environmental impact through travel, energy consumption, laboratory materials, equipment, computing and waste. By considering these impacts during the planning stage, researchers can identify ways to conduct excellent research while using fewer resources and generating fewer emissions. It also helps make sustainability a normal part of research practice rather than something considered only afterwards. Since 2024, DFG funding proposals require applicants to reflect on ecological sustainability aspects in the planning and implementation of research projects. The guide therefore helps researchers understand what to consider and provides practical questions for making more sustainable research choices.
