Farlie, Francesca, Gorbunova, Anna, Paredes, Omar, Woolley, Thomas  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6225-5365, Alikani, Mina, Cohen, Jacques and Palmer, Giles
2026.
Balancing science and sustainability in ART: An international survey of green issues in IVF laboratories.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
53
(4)
, 105804.
10.1016/j.rbmo.2026.105804
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Abstract
Research question: What are the perspectives, challenges, and current practices of clinical reproductive practitioners worldwide regarding environmental sustainability in the IVF laboratory? Design: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed exclusively among clinical reproductive scientists. The survey was accessible for 10 weeks from July 2024 to September 2024. It was designed to assess different aspects of sustainability in the IVF laboratory and explore the role of demographic variables. Results: 893 recipients responded, of which 754 were eligible to participate and spanned 83 countries. Awareness of sustainability was high, with >90% being familiar with the term, and over half expressing strong concern about the medical field’s environmental impact. 74.2% (559/753) considered sustainability in ART to be critical, and many believed adopting greener practices would appear more attractive to patients, although this opinion was not shared equally among different age groups. The survey explored the frequency of daily laboratory activities. “Switching off microscope lights when not in use” was most performed while “feedback to suppliers regarding excessive packaging” was seen in <10% of responses. Respondents understood the need for a collaborative approach; however, ART suppliers were identified as most responsible for driving a greener culture. Conclusions: While most practitioners who participated in the study are concerned about the environmental impact of ART and are keen to adopt more sustainable practices, concerns about regulatory and economic consequences as well as negative impact on treatment outcomes hinder meaningful action. This study highlights areas of concern and responsibilities for ART stakeholders to address going forward in fostering a greener culture in IVF.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Mathematics |
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QA Mathematics R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine |
| Additional Information: | RRS policy applied |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 1472-6483 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 11 June 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 18 May 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 05 Aug 2026 15:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187437 |
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