Why environmental sustainability matters to the WMS

As an international scientific society, the World Muscle Society (WMS) recognises that its activities, particularly international travel, Congress organisation, and scientific communication, have an environmental impact. Addressing sustainability is therefore part of our responsibility as a global community committed to advancing neuromuscular research and care. By leading by example and embedding sustainability into how we meet, travel, and share science, the WMS aims to contribute meaningfully to wider efforts to reduce environmental harm while remaining inclusive, collaborative, and scientifically excellent.

Over the past year, the WMS Environmental Sustainability Committee has been working to better understand and reduce the environmental footprint of the Society’s activities. This work has been informed by discussions with an external consultant, leading to the development of the WMS Sustainability Strategy, which identifies key focus areas and provides a structured framework for action. 

Our mission
Leading by example to activate environmental responsibility across the WMS’ operations and global neuromuscular research and care, in collaboration with our members.

The strategy is built around four main pillars: 1) climate, energy and transport; 2) food and nature; 3) material use and waste; and 4) sustainable research. These pillars are supported by cross-cutting enablers including data collection and analysis, education and training, communications and advocacy, and good governance. Together, they provide a longer-term vision within which the committee’s current activities are situated.

Within this broader framework, the committee has defined three current work packages that address priority areas where the WMS can make tangible progress in the near term:

Work package 1: emissions related to Congress location and frequency
This work package addresses the carbon emissions associated with the location and frequency of WMS in-person Congresses. Discussions include how location choices influence travel-related emissions, the potential role of hybrid or alternative meeting formats, and whether carbon offsetting could be meaningfully incorporated. Travel carbon estimates from recent Congresses are being reviewed to inform these discussions.

Work package 2: sustainable travel through a fellowship
This work package focuses on exploring how a dedicated fellowship or support mechanism could encourage more sustainable travel choices among WMS members. The goal is to identify strategies that reduce the carbon footprint of travel while maintaining accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for early-career researchers. Work is ongoing to define the scope, criteria, and potential impact of such a fellowship.

Work package 3: environmental footprint of printed versus digital posters
In this work package, we are examining the environmental impact of traditional printed posters compared with digital alternatives at WMS Congresses. This includes considering resource use, waste generation, accessibility, and participant experience. The intention is to provide an informed basis for future decisions on poster formats that balance sustainability with scientific exchange.
These three work packages represent the committee’s current areas of focus, but they do not encompass the full scope of sustainability work envisaged for the WMS.Additional initiatives aligned with the strategic pillars will be developed over time as the Society’s sustainability programme evolves.

Alongside this ongoing work, the WMS has already taken practical steps to integrate sustainability into its activities, including initiatives highlighted in previous communications and Congress-related actions reported on the WMS website, such as recent sustainability-focused news articles.

We warmly welcome suggestions, ideas, and feedback from WMS members. Environmental Sustainability is a collective effort, and input from across the community is essential as we continue to refine and expand this work. Please contact Sadie Tyler-Sibbald, WMS Association Support Manager - [email protected].