A Pirbright researcher has won a prestigious US award for environmental stewardship.
Jim Chadwick, a virology PhD student working at The Pirbright Institute, developed an energy efficiency project and an allotment and community garden at the Institute.
Jim established his own small-scale green revolving fund to promote sustainability and environmental change.
The initial project was designed to improve energy efficiency, tackling the lack of awareness about laboratory energy consumption and encouraging greener practices through colour-coded stickers that could guide more informed decisions about equipment use.
He also put in endless hours of spadework to help create a shared community allotment and wildflower garden project, promoting a supportive environment for the research community to alleviate stress and build social connections through gardening and social events.
Receiving a Passion in Science Award from New England Biolabs (NEB), Jim said: “I was deeply humbled when I was told that I had won. Winning within the Environmental stewardship category has been a true highlight within my virology PhD. Tackling a problem, even in a small way, can contribute positively.
Energy efficiency in research, and supporting the mental health of other scientists by building an allotment and community garden were challenges well worth pursuing.”
Jim designed, pitched and led the projects during his second and third years as a University of Oxford PhD student at Pirbright in parallel to his labwork: a challenge made even more worthwhile by NEB’s recognition.
Salvatore Russello, Chief Executive Officer at NEB, said: “We are honoured to recognise the creativity and accomplishments of those who apply science to enrich and serve others beyond the traditional definition of scientific success.”
In its citation of Jim’s work, NEB stated: “Jim’s shared community allotment and wildflower garden promoted a supportive environment for the research community to alleviate stress and build social connections through gardening and social events. Not only does this work promote environmental care, but it fosters connection and centers mental well-being.”
The fourth NEB Passion in Science Awards celebrated 12 winners across four categories: Scientific Mentorship & Advocacy, Environmental Stewardship, Arts & Creativity, and Humanitarian Duty.
The awardees participated in an awards ceremony, round tables, tours, podcasts, and a poster presentation, culminating in a celebration at NEB’s headquarters in Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA.
