WATCH: Using research insights to support colleagues
14 May 2026
Nia Coupe tells Duncan Ivison about helping non-lab-based researchers embed sustainable practices in their work, in a project funded by our Enhancing Research Culture project.
Behavioural scientist Dr Nia Coupe and collaborators across the University are helping non-lab-based researchers embed sustainable practices in their work in a project funded by our Enhancing Research Culture Fund.
Nia is working with collaborators at our three faculties and the Sustainable Futures platform to investigate a range of solutions on issues from AI to sustainable travel to re-using equipment. While the environmental impact of some lab-based research is well recognised, and important initiatives such as the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) Framework are helping to improve sustainability and efficiency of research, there is relatively little attention on sustainability for researchers who are not lab-based.
Nia is applying behavioural science principles to develop and pilot a toolkit to enable researchers to embed sustainability in their research design and practice, while minimising the burden on individual researchers. The toolkit will consist of training, rewards, and better embedding of information and guidance across existing infrastructures.
As our President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison said when in his vlog about our research culture here at Manchester: “You have got some insight into how to design it so people will get some actual value from it.”
And, as Nia reminds us in the film below, the project won’t just help colleagues to work more sustainably; it will help them meet their funders’ expectations.
Get involved
The project has so far gathered information from staff through a survey and online workshops. There will be further opportunities to provide feedback on the toolkit towards the end of project in July 2026. If you are interested in providing feedback or have any other thoughts, please contact: nia.coupe@manchester.ac.uk.
Further information
This project was one of seven funded following the launch of the University’s Research Culture and Environment framework.
The University’s research culture is defined as the way that we collaborate, communicate, and interact with each other; the behaviours, attitudes, and values that shape how our research is developed, conducted, and used; and the mechanisms by which we support research and recognise and reward that work. The funded projects align to one of the University’s four research culture themes:
- Supporting diverse and rewarding careers
- Enabling open and impactful research
- Upholding the highest levels of responsible and ethical research
- Building collaboration and interdisciplinarity.
Associate Vice-President for Research, Professor Melissa Westwood said: “The applications received in response to this call showed a real breadth and diversity of ideas to help shape our research culture and demonstrated the passion and innovation of colleagues across our University.
“The seven funded projects address a range of challenges, and we are excited to see the impact they will have in such important areas of our research culture.”
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