We've relocated!

As of November 2025, the LEAN Community is being migrated over the the new UK Network for Sustainable Research (UKNSR) homepage and community hub, located on Discourse; this decision has been made to reflect the multidisciplinary and expanding engagement with sustainability across all research practices.

LEAN will remain online until the migration is complete (February 2026). If you are looking for our new community (including to become a member), please follow the link below:

UKNSR Homepage

UKNSR, formerly the Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN), is an organisation of individuals passionate about sustainable research practices working in the HE Sector. We have been running since 2015, with 80+ members based primarily in the UK.

Our members all work within laboratories or sustainability departments in publicly funded institutions. We meet regularly and share best-practice through our online forum and resources.

The aims of UKNSR are:

To promote sustainable research practices, efficient laboratories, and all forms of environmental sustainability in academic and research institutions.
To act as a convenor and forum for the sector, where interested individuals can learn more about sustainable research.
To standardise, create, and promote resources on best practices for improving the sustainability of research.

Action Areas of UKNSR

Our aim is to understand best practice across the wide range of areas which influence research sustainability; from practical daily actions, to institutional strategy or policy change. Here are some examples:

Laboratory Behaviour Change Engagement Programmes
Equipment Efficiency Initiatives
Building and Facility Design Solutions

Plastic Use and Consumables
Laboratory Support Services
Institutional Strategy and Policy
Procurement and Waste Management
Research Quality and Reproducibility...

We've relocated!

UKNSR, formerly the Laboratory Efficiency Action Network (LEAN), is an organisation of individuals passionate about sustainable research practices working in the HE Sector. We have been running since 2015, with 80+ members based primarily in the UK.

Past Events