The Heidelberg Agreement on Environmental Sustainability in Research Funding
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesThe Heidelberg Agreement on Environmental Sustainability in Research Funding
What is this about?
The Heidelberg Agreement on Environmental Sustainability in Research Funding is a framework developed by European research funders, research organisations and sustainability experts to encourage more environmentally sustainable research. Published in October 2024, it focuses specifically on the role of research funders in changing research practices and making sustainability an integral part of research funding. The agreement identifies five key actions for funders. They should: take action on sustainability; set ambitious sustainability goals; develop shared principles based on innovation, experimentation, partnership, diversity and co-creation; include sustainability in funding schemes; and support tools for education, measurement and accreditation. It also encourages funders to involve researchers and research organisations in developing solutions. The agreement was developed through collaboration across nine European countries and has been endorsed by organisations including NWO, DFG, UKRI, Wellcome, EMBO and Cancer Research UK.
Why is this important?
The Heidelberg Agreement is important because research funding can influence how research is conducted. Funders have the ability to encourage researchers and institutions to reduce environmental impacts through funding requirements, evaluation criteria, incentives and practical support. Rather than asking individual researchers to act alone, the agreement promotes system-level change. It encourages funders to set clear sustainability goals, include environmental considerations in funding decisions, support measurement of research footprints and provide education and accreditation tools. It also promotes collaboration between funders, researchers and research organisations so that successful approaches can be shared and developed.
