Challenge 3

How to limit the environmental impacts of researchers' mobility ?

The University of Lausanne has included in its plan of intention the will to be a pioneering institution on sustainability, notably by promoting the research and teaching of this problem, but also by developing a model management of the campus and the environment.

Challenge description

It is often pointed out that the success of researchers is due to frequently traveling abroad to participate in conferences or workshops. This mobility generates strong CO2 impacts, especially since the fastest means of transport are often preferred. The University of Lausanne is now considering what professional mobility policy should be put in place taking into account the issue of sustainability and scientific excellence.

The question of the mobility of researchers has been identified and there is a real interest from the University of Lausanne to think and find solutions to address it.

Participants will determine:

• Tools to minimize researchers' travel ;
• Means or criteria to be used to define the relevance of a trip ;
• Ways to promote the transfer to greener modes of transport ;
• Proposals to manage the consequences that this implies for researchers' schedules.