Sustainability – frequently asked questions
This FAQ is divided into the following sections:
- What is the Sustainable Conferencing Initiative?
Our Sustainable Conferencing Initiative was launched in 2020 to encourage and support sustainable scientific communication.
Through our Sustainable Conferencing Grants, we promote the use of new technology and greener modes of travel.
Through our blog posts, we showcase examples of sustainability in action and share experience of how new technologies and conference formats work in practice.
- Why did you launch your Sustainable Conferencing Initiative?
We launched our Sustainable Conferencing Initiative because, whilst conferences provide invaluable opportunities for biologists worldwide to collaborate and connect, there is an urgent need to find new ways of interacting that are greener and more sustainable than traditional models.
Also, as was evident during the pandemic, virtual conferences can work well. However it has also become clear that the important social and scientific interactions that occur during in-person events are hard to replicate online.
Through our Sustainable Conferencing Grants and blog posts, we help conference organisers to overcome logistical and financial barriers, and to showcase sustainability in action.
- Do you have a blog?
You can see blog posts about the Sustainable Conferencing Initiative here.
- What grants are available?
The following types of grant are available through our Sustainable Conferencing Initiative:
- Measures to reduce the carbon footprint of travel (up to £1,000)
- Additional cost of technology (up to £2,500)
- Innovative feature (up to £2,500)
Find out more.
- Who can apply?
Organisers of conferences, workshops, seminars, training, and networking events can apply for Sustainable Conferencing Grants. However, although, grants are open to organisers of seminars, funding will generally be limited to one grant per series. An exception may be made for a new, exciting, and more innovative proposal within the same series.
Find out more.
- When are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines can be viewed here.
- What is the application process?
- Are there specific things that you don't fund?
Information about what we do not fund through Sustainable Conferencing Grants is available here.
- Which events have been funded?
You can see the events that received Sustainable Conferencing Grants here.
- What is The Forest of Biologists?
Launched in 2023, The Forest of Biologists is a living and growing forest that has been created as part of our new biodiversity initiative, with support from the Woodland Trust.
For each Research Article or Review article we publish, we are planting a tree in a UK forest. We will also be funding the restoration and preservation of ancient woodland and dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. All these real trees are also represented together in a virtual forest.
The Forest of Biologists is a celebration of the work of the scientists whose research and expertise fills our journals, and it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to sustainability.
