The Zebrafish Unit (ZFU) at City St George’s, University of London, Tooting Campus has been awarded the University’s first LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) gold award, recognising their outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Published
The Zebrafish Unit conducts research focused on developmental biology, genetics, and disease modelling, using zebrafish as a key model organism to study human health conditions including neuromuscular diseases, eye disorders, tuberculosis, and much more.
The LEAF framework is a national initiative developed by University College London. It is designed to enhance sustainability within laboratories across the UK and offers an online framework for labs to work through. This includes calculators to measure impact, a toolkit of resources and training for participating laboratory staff. Labs are assessed internally and awarded either a bronze, silver, or gold level.
Since joining the programme in 2022, 23 research groups have joined, with five achieving a silver award in 2024 additional to the ZFU award so far this year.
Great pride and validation
Speaking about this achievement Dimitra Mantzorou, Head of Zebrafish Unit said:
"Hannah refined the Unit’s Sustainability Policy and integrated sustainability training into every user induction. Sustainability also became a standing item in our monthly team meetings, ensuring ongoing commitment and enthusiasm for new initiatives by staff and users. Receiving the award was a moment of great pride and validation for the team’s dedication to improving sustainable practices in zebrafish research."
Dr Priya Madhou, Head of Laboratory Services and Associate Director of Research Operations, said about the scheme:
The Research Operations team have also implemented Green Lab initiatives which include Uni Green Scheme equipment trading and specialist recycling such as Sarstedt tip box recycling, Promega shipping box recycling and Ice packs and polystyrene boxes recycling.