LEAF: the sustainability certification that’s not just for scientists! - AUDE Awards Webinar Series

Title: LEAF: the sustainability certification that’s not just for scientists! - AUDE Awards Webinar Series
Date: Monday 1 June 2026
Time: 12:00 - 12:45

Join us to hear from the 2026 winner of the AUDE Sustainability Impact Initiative Award, University College London.

Synopsis: 

This webinar will provide you with an overview of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework and show that when scientists and Estates Professionals work together on sustainable solutions it brings out the best from the programme.

Reasons to attend:

• Gain a practical understanding of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework: Learn what the framework is, how it works, and how it can be applied to improve laboratory performance and sustainability.

• See the power of collaboration in action: Discover how effective partnership between scientists and Estates professionals leads to smarter, more sustainable solutions and stronger project outcomes.

• Unlock best practice for sustainable laboratory programmes: Understand how joined‑up working brings out the best from efficiency and sustainability programmes, delivering benefits for people, infrastructure, and the environment.

Speakers:

Dr Andrea Hodgetts, Head of Research Sustainability, UCL

Andrea Hodgetts is the Head of Research Sustainability at UCL and focuses on reducing the environmental impact of research, in particular within the lab environment. Following her PhD and post doctoral positions, Andrea moved into project management before a growing interest in the environment saw her move into her current role where she combines her broad knowledge of the research sector with her passion for sustainability to support improvements in research sustainability.

Caitlin Broadbent, Sustainable Research Officer, UCL

Caitlin Broadbent is a Sustainable Research Officer in the LEAF Team at University College London, helping publicly funded Universities and Research Institutions across the world ensure how they perform research is sustainable. Caitlin comes from a Technical background, with health and safety, operations and biomedical research knowledge. She has experience using LEAF at all levels - as a lab member, a LEAF lead, an admin and now supporting organisations across the world.

Hong Zhang, Sustainable Research Administrator, UCL

Hong Zhang is the Sustainable Research Administrator at UCL, managing the invoicing process for the LEAF programme and supporting technical management of the LEAF platform. Having spent some of her childhood in the countryside—where dragonflies, butterflies, and frogs were constant companions—she developed a lasting care for the environment and finds meaning in contributing to work that supports sustainability and tackles climate change.