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International Conference on Microplastics, Nanoplastics & Human Health.

August 28 - 30, 2024
Dublin, Ireland

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This international conference is dedicated to bringing together experts across disciplines to address the overarching theme of “Evidence-based research uncovering the intricate relationships between microplastics and human health”. In a hybrid format, participants can choose to attend in person or virtually. The conference's in-person segment will take place in Dublin, Ireland.

The conference program will start with an engaging workshop designed to offer practical, hands-on training in utilizing the cutting-edge optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) instrument for microplastic analysis. Limited to only 10 seats, the workshop is priced at €100 per person.

In addition to keynote speeches and invited talks, the conference will feature a dedicated session, bringing together key stakeholders for a collaborative discussion on policy recommendations to tackle plastic pollution.

Conference Details

DateAugust 28 - 30, 2024

FeeFree of charge

LocationUniversity College Dublin, Ireland

OrganisersDr. Junli Xu, Chairperson

Sponsors UCD - SFI - NUI

Intended Audience Researchers, Scientists, Policy Makers, Environmental NGOs, Industry Representatives, General Public

Technical Requirements

Please remember to use the Abstract Template for your Abstract Submission.

Abstract Template

Abstract Submission

A Young Scientist Travel Grant, valued at a maximum of €500 per person, will be awarded to support the participation of outstanding students (Master and PhD students). 

Young researchers with a primary affiliation in an ITC country can apply for (opens in a new window)ITC Conference Grants from COST Action (opens in a new window)PRIORITY for travel support.

The conference will feature a prize and certificate for the best poster presented, sponsored by Environmental Sciences: Advances.

Keynote Speakers

Dr Jacob de Boer

Jacob de Boer

Topic: Plastic Pollution – Human Health vs. Environment

Jacob de Boer is emeritus professor. From 2006-2022 he was Professor of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Prof. De Boer has worked for 49 years on the environmental contamination and analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls, flame retardants,
perfluorinated compounds, PAHs and other contaminants. In 1998 he won the Excellent Scientist Award of the Wageningen University. In 2015 he was honored as one of the most cited scientists in his field (Top 1%) according to Thomson & Reuter. He has (co)coordinated a large number of European research projects, including the CleanSea project , the first European research project on microplastics, and many research projects for other international organizations and industries. He organized numerous international interlaboratory studies on contaminants including microplastics.

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Dr Amy O'Higgins

Amy O'Higgins

Topic: Microplastic Exposures at the Beginning of Life

Amy O'Higgins is Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at The Coombe Hospital, Dublin and Director of the UCD Centre for Human Reproduction.  She graduated from UCD with a BSc in Chemistry and worked in analytical chemistry before studying medicine.  She specialized in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Ireland and completed sub-specialist training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine with the University of Toronto in Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada.  Her clinical and research interests include diabetes mellitus and metabolic health in pregnancy as well as maternal and fetal complications of pregnancy.

amy.ohiggins@ucd.ie
Elvis Genbo Xu

Elvis Genbo Xu

Topic: Unraveling Micro and Nanoplastics: Towards a "One Health" Perspective

Dr. Elvis Genbo Xu is an Associate Professor and Sapere Aude Research Leader at the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark. Xu’s research combines state-of-the-art techniques from environmental toxicology, aquatic biology, omics, and bioimaging to understand the impacts of emerging pollutants.
His recent micro(nano)plastics findings are covered in Nature, Science, and 500+ global media. He has secured over two million euros in research grants and published 100+ peer-reviewed articles in PNAS, ES&T, Water Res, etc. He also serves as an editorial board member for Water Res X, Eco-Environ Health, J Hazard Mater, Front Environ Sci Eng, Environ Syst Res, and Managing Guest Editor of Environ Inter on “Micro(nano)plastic & Health”.

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elvis@biology.sdu.dk

Invited Talks

Profile photo of Cezmi Akdis

Cezmi Akdis

Professor, University Zurich, Switzerland.
Topic: Epithelial Barrier Theory for the development of allergic and autoimmunity diseases: exploring implications for microplastics.

Profile photo of Joao Frias

Joao Frias

Ph.D., Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University, Ireland.
Topic: Marine plastisphere: vector for accumulation of trace metals and interesting species.

Profile photo of Sedat Gündoğdu

Sedat Gündoğdu

Professor at Cukurova University, Faculty of Fisheries.
Topic: Pathways of human exposure to micro and nanoplastics: Food, air, and medical treatment.

Suggested Topics:

We invite you to submit original research results on the following suggested topics:

  • Methodology development for identification of micro- and nanoplastics;
  • Micro- and nanoplastics contamination in food and environmental samples;
  • Exposure pathways into the human body;
  • Implications of chemical additives released from micro- and nanoplastics;
  • Potential health risks at cellular, organism and population levels;
  • Innovative solutions for risk assessment and the mitigation of plastic pollution.
  • Policy recommendations to mitigate plastic pollution Impact.

Important dates in 2024

Deadline for Abstract Submission: July 12

Deadline for Abstract Submission Competing Young Scientist Travel Grant: May 24

Registration Deadline: August 23

Publications

All participants are cordially invited to submit a manuscript for publication in Environmental Sciences: Advances, subject to the normal peer review process. All details will be available on the conference website.

General Chair

Dr Junli Xu

Dr Junli Xu

Conference Chair / Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow)

Dr. Junli Xu is an Assistant Professor at the University College Dublin, leading the research team with 3 PhDs, 3 Postdocs and 1 Research Assistant. She has gained international recognition in the field of spectral imaging and spectroscopy, as evidenced by invitations to present work at major international conferences, membership on several editorial boards, authorship of 4 book chapters and 50+ peer-reviewed research articles. She has secured prestigious funding awards (ca. €1.2 million) as PI.
The Microplastic Research Team led by Dr. Xu aims to advance the methodology for characterizing microplastics and improve the understanding of the associated human health impacts.

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junli.xu@ucd.ie +353 1 716 7483

Local Organising Committee

Professor Aoife Gowen

Professor Aoife Gowen

Professor

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aoife.gowen@ucd.ie +353 1 716 2601
Dr Amy O'Higgins

Dr Amy O'Higgins

Associate Professor

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amy.ohiggins@ucd.ie
Dr Clare Reynolds

Dr Clare Reynolds

Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow)

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clare.reynolds@ucd.ie +353 1 716 6770
Man wearing glasses and smiling

Dr Rajat Nag

Lecturer/Assistant Professor

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raj.nag@ucd.ie
A woman smiling

Dr Anna Molter

Lecturer/Assistant Professor

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anna.molter@ucd.ie
Profile photo of Dr Leonard Koolman

Dr Leonard Koolman

Lecturer, Technological University Dublin, Ireland

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leonard.koolman@tudublin.ie
Dr Abhrajyoti Tarafdar

Dr Abhrajyoti Tarafdar

Research Scientist

abhrajyoti.tarafdar@ucd.ie
Nazan Altun Research Assistant

Ms Nazan Altun

Research Assistant

nazan.altun@ucd.ie
Dr Tamírís Da Costa

Dr Tamírís Da Costa

Lecturer/Assistant Professor

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tamiris.dacosta@ucd.ie
Dr Xiaohui Lin IRC Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr Xiaohui Lin

IRC Postdoctoral Fellow

Programme Overview

Wednesday August 28th Thursday August 29th Friday August 30th
  • Registration
  • Lecture: Principles of O-PTIR and Methods for Microplastic Analysis
  • Registration
  • Opening Ceremony
  • Keynote Speech
  • Session 1: Methodology Development
  • Keynote Speech
  • Session 4: Exposure Pathways of Microplastics
Networking and Coffee Break

Hands on Session in the lab
  • Session 2: Microplastic Detection in Environmental Samples
  • Session 5: Potential Health Outcomes from Microplastics and Leached Chemicals
Lunch

Hands on Session in the lab

Poster Session

Poster Session
Networking and Coffee Break
Data Analysis Workshop
  • Keynote Speech
  • Session 3: Stakeholder Engagement for Policy Insight
  • Keynote Speech
  • Session 6: Innovative Risk Assessment
Conference Dinner

Contact The Organiser

We are pleased to assist with your visa application by providing a letter confirming your registration. Additionally, we will issue an attendance certificate for your records. For inquiries, please contact: (opens in a new window)IC-PlasticHealth@ucd.ie

Sponsors & Partners

UCD Logo
SFI Logo
NUI Logo

Contact UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering

Room 303. Agriculture & Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7484 | Location Map(opens in a new window)